Weapons to Israel: Coalition disputed about international law and ethics

Weapons to Israel: Coalition disputed about international law and ethics

In the black and red coalition, there are different positions for arms aid to Israel. While Foreign Minister Johann WadePhul (CDU) has promised further weapons aid, SPD politicians such as Ralf Stegner are calling for a review of German arms deliveries. Stegner emphasizes that German weapons may not contribute to the extension of humanitarian disasters or to violations of international law, while his party colleague Isabel Cademartori supports the review of weapon exports according to humanitarian international law. It also criticizes the illegal settlement construction of Israel in the West Bank and its negative influence on the perspectives of a two -state solution. Cademartori calls for specific steps to recognize an independent Palestinian state.

WADEPHUL itself describes the approval of 22 settlements in West Bank as an contrary to international law and an obstacle to the desired two -state solution. He warns that the state of Palestine would be a wrong sign at the present time and should only take place after successful negotiations on a two -state solution. This attitude is underpinned by the negative position both by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas on the subject of two -state solution.

Current developments in the armaments debate

The discussion about arms deliveries is carried out against the background of growing criticism in the German Bundestag. Foreign Minister WadePhul commented in the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” on the changed language of the federal government with regard to the Israeli approach. These adjustments could indicate a possible change in political action. Despite the serious dangers that Israel is exposed to, like the Huthi militia, Hisbollah and Iran, the reconciliation of military actions in the Gaza Strip is currently being examined with humanitarian international law.

There is the possibility that further arms deliveries could depend on this test. In the past few weeks, criticism of Israeli military action has grew in the Gaza Strip. Chancellor Merz described the recent events as not absolutely necessary for the defense of Israel and was dismayed by the fate of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. This difficult situation has also tempted SPD foreign politician Mützenich to stop the arms deliveries to Israel.

arms exports and their legal implications

Chancellor Olaf Scholz had again emphasized in the Bundestag that Germany would continue to deliver weapons to Israel. Despite an official export stop for weapons of war between March and August 2023, there is a significant increase in arms exports after this time. The arms deliveries according to Israel in 2023 be increased compared to the previous year. Official data proves that over 80% of the approval applications for armaments goods received positive notices. In 2023 the approval volume for weapons of war was over 20.1 million euros.

The federal government has guaranteed that it would like to ensure the compatibility of German arms deliveries with international law. An important step in this direction is the requirement of a written assurance from Israel that the weapons delivered are used in accordance with international law. This clause is part of the efforts to invalidate possible allegations of international law violations that Germany is subject to in connection with its arms exports.

International and national criticism of the Israeli military campaigns becomes louder, and the majority of the German population continues to reject arms deliveries to Israel. Claims for a comprehensive weapon embargo to promote de -escalation are increasing. Experts also warn of long -term consequences if the federal government should not do justice to their responsibility to comply with humanitarian international law.

In this context, it remains to be seen how the political discussions and legal evaluations on armaments policy will develop in the coming weeks in order to adequately take into account both the protection of the civilian population in conflict areas and the geopolitical interests of Germany.