A prominent figure within the German-Israeli Society has strongly condemned a recent proposal by a former parliamentary leader, Rolf Mützenich, advocating for a halt to German arms deliveries to Israel due to the ongoing situation in Gaza.
Volker Beck, president of the German-Israeli Society, characterized Mützenich’s suggestion as “simply anti-Israel” in an interview with the “Rheinische Post”. He linked the proposal to the impending expiration of the nuclear agreement with Iran in mid-October, arguing that it demonstrated a misdirected policy response.
While acknowledging widespread concern regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Beck emphasized that Hamas bears primary responsibility for the famine conditions. He added, however, that Israel also has a crucial role to play in preventing a catastrophic humanitarian situation, asserting that current efforts are inadequate.
The call for a policy shift towards Israel came in a joint statement released by Mützenich, formerly a leader within the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the parliamentary group’s foreign policy spokesperson, Adis Ahmetovic. The statement signaled a desire for a reassessment of the German government’s stance on arms exports and broader engagement regarding the Gaza situation as it intensifies.
