Members of the German Bundestag are largely supportive of the federal government’s decision to halt certain arms deliveries to Israel. The move comes in response to recent decisions by the Israeli security cabinet regarding operations in Gaza.
Jürgen Hardt, foreign policy spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, stated that the government’s reaction was “unavoidable” after months of raised concerns. He explained the decision signals that Germany views Israel’s actions in Gaza as detrimental to its standing in the world and its own security. While reaffirming support for Israel’s goal of dismantling Hamas’ power, Hardt expressed concern over the objectives of the renewed offensive. He highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, suggesting it primarily benefits Hamas’ propaganda efforts and places responsibility for providing humanitarian assistance on Israel as the occupying power.
Thomas Röwekamp, Chairman of the Defence Committee, indicated that the new political objective of placing Gaza under Israeli control doesn’t align with prior understandings. He explained that previous support focused on counter-terrorism efforts in Gaza and Lebanon, but the current situation appears to be driven by political objectives pursued through military means. He stressed, however, that Germany’s solidarity remains with the Israeli people and state, while not necessarily aligning with the current government’s policies. Röwekamp emphasized that a two-state solution, with a secure Israel and a recognized Palestinian state, remains Germany’s goal.
SPD foreign policy spokesperson Ralf Stegner strongly criticized the expansion of the Gaza conflict, asserting that German arms deliveries should not contribute to the humanitarian crisis or illegal settlement policies. He warned that the Netanyahu government risks losing the support of its closest allies.
Sara Nanni, Green Party spokesperson for security policy and member of the Defence Committee, welcomed the halt in arms deliveries as an “overdue signal”. She urged the government to increase pressure on Israel to allow humanitarian aid to reach the civilian population in Gaza.
Luise Amtsberg, former Human Rights Commissioner, condemned the Israeli security cabinet’s decision to take control of Gaza, viewing it as detrimental to negotiations and hostage security. She supported the federal government’s decision to withhold further arms deliveries, stating that Germany should not support Israel’s violation of international law and called for sanctions regarding settlement construction in the West Bank.
Janis Ehling, federal executive manager of the Left party, further advocated for stronger measures, arguing that Germany has supplied weapons used against the civilian population of Gaza for too long and argued that Germany should recognize Palestine as a state.
Within the Young Union (Junge Union), the decision has sparked internal debate, with chairman Johannes Winkel describing it as a break from decades of CDU/CSU policy and indicating that Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security shouldn’t be easily dismissed.
