Public criticism of Israel has ‘zero’ effect: German official
Armin Laschet, the chairman of the foreign affairs committee in Germany’s lower house of parliament, has argued that public criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza by the country’s allies has had “zero” effect in protecting Palestinian lives.
In comments made to broadcaster ZDF, Laschet claimed a joint statement issued last week by the UK, Canada and France calling Israel’s escalation in Gaza “wholly disproportionate” had no impact in ending the conflict or ensuring humanitarian aid could reach the territory.
Laschet argued the new conservative-led government’s “quiet diplomacy” and “clear words” to Israel were “more effective than constant resolutions and pithy slogans”.
A staunch ally of Israel, Germany has faced accusations of silencing pro-Palestinian voices since the start of the war. Officials have moved to ban protests and cancel events, while cultural institutes have distanced themselves from artists who raise awareness about the Palestinian cause.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, meanwhile, has said he would make sure Netanyahu can visit Germany despite an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court.
Germany sees Israeli security as a “reason of state” due to its historic responsibility for the Holocaust.
However, Laschet insisted that the term “doesn’t mean you can’t criticise Israel, you can’t demand aid deliveries, you can’t criticise the prime minister”. “You can do all that,” said Laschet. “You can also say that the government has right-wing extremist ministers, you can also say that the war aims are wrong.”
Public pressure is what leads to diplomacy... Germany's support for Israel is only drawing out the genocide. All you're trying to do is to get the genocide out of the news so Israel can go on undisturbed.
Israeli attacks on Gaza no longer justified as fight against Hamas: Germany’s Merz
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says Israel’s recent attacks on the Gaza Strip are taking a humanitarian toll on civilians that can no longer be justified as a military campaign against “terrorism”.
“Harming the civilian population to such an extent, as has increasingly been the case in recent days, can no longer be justified as a fight against Hamas terrorism,” he told broadcaster WDR in a televised interview.
“What the Israeli army is now doing in Gaza – I don’t understand, to say it openly,” Merz said.
He added he planned a call with Netanyahu this week to tell him “to not overdo it” although, for “historical reasons”, Germany would always be more guarded in its criticism than some European partners.
A reminder that Merz in February said he would make sure the Israeli prime minister could visit Germany despite an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged war crimes in Gaza. As a member state of the court, Germany is required to detain suspects facing arrest warrants if they set foot on its soil, but the ICC has no way to enforce that.
Yep that's Germany, continue with your genocide, just don't overdo it, too much public awareness lately.
