Wars in the Middle East
Israel is again receiving significantly more German armaments
Updated 10/24/2024Reading time: 3 min.
The Chancellor promised Israel: “We have delivered weapons and we will deliver weapons.” This is now clearly reflected in the arms export statistics.
The federal government is expanding its approvals for arms deliveries to Israel more than previously known. According to the Foreign Office, exports of arms worth 94.05 million euros have been permitted to the country, which is at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon, since August alone. That is more than twice as much as the 45.74 million euros that the Ministry of Economic Affairs reported to the Bundestag’s Economic Committee last week for the entire year up to October 13th.
There has been a dispute over arms deliveries to Israel for months. Last year, the traffic light government approved arms deliveries to Israel for 326.5 million euros, including war weapons for 20.1 million. The majority of the export permits went back to the period after the terrorist attack on Israel by the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas on October 7th. In the first few months of this year, however, export permits were drastically reduced.
The export of military equipment to Israel is particularly explosive because a lawsuit against it is pending at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The Latin American country of Nicaragua accuses Germany of aiding and abetting genocide and has filed a lawsuit with the court. At the end of April, the judges rejected an urgent application to stop arms exports. However, they did not comply with Germany’s demand that Nicaragua’s lawsuit be completely rejected. The main proceedings could drag on for years.
According to a recent survey, a clear majority of Germans are against arms deliveries to Israel. In a Forsa survey for the magazine “Stern” published on Tuesday, 60 percent rejected arms exports to Israel. Only 31 percent were in favor, 9 percent were undecided.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned against undifferentiated black and white thinking when it comes to arms exports to Israel. “This is not a contradiction, but rather two sides of the same coin: the right to self-defense in accordance with international humanitarian law,” she said on the sidelines of a support conference for Lebanon in Paris. When exporting to third countries such as Israel, every delivery is checked within the framework of humanitarian, European and international law. “We do that here too.”
In response to a reporter’s question about the numbers, Baerbock said that a distinction must be made between weapons of war and other armaments. The current question relates to other military equipment, the approval of which is also being examined. There is a wide range here, sometimes it involves spare parts or supplier parts. That’s why there are always different numbers, “because it depends on the different armaments at the location.” Baerbock did not provide any details about the figures reported for Israel.
BSW politician Dagdelen called the exports “irresponsible”. “By providing arms aid to Israel, the traffic light government is aiding and abetting war crimes in Gaza and Lebanon instead of taking into account the majority will of the population in Germany for an arms embargo,” she said.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Matthias Klein, Political Analyst specializing in Military Ethics and International Relations
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Klein. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments regarding Germany’s arms deliveries to Israel, which have sparked considerable debate.
Dr. Matthias Klein: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic that requires careful consideration of both legal and ethical dimensions.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. As per recent reports, Germany has significantly increased its arms exports to Israel, amounting to over 94 million euros just since August. What do you make of this resurgence in arms deliveries after months of stagnant approvals?
Dr. Matthias Klein: The situation reflects the complexities and pressures that Germany faces in its international relations. Following the escalation of conflicts, particularly with Hamas and Hezbollah, Germany’s government appears to be responding to both political and security pressures. The promise made by Chancellor Scholz to support Israel militarily signals Germany’s intention to bolster its ally in a time of heightened conflict.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, it’s noteworthy that these exports have nearly doubled compared to earlier estimates. However, it comes amidst a backdrop of opposition from the German populace. A recent survey indicated that 60 percent of Germans oppose these arms deliveries. How do you interpret this public sentiment?
Dr. Matthias Klein: The polling data illustrates a significant disconnect between governmental policy and public opinion. Many Germans are growing increasingly wary of military involvement in foreign conflicts, especially given Germany’s historical context regarding arms exports. The moral and ethical concerns surrounding the potential for those arms to be used in ongoing combat operations likely contribute to public hesitance.
Time.news Editor: That raises an important point about the ethics surrounding arms sales. Additionally, there is a pending case at the International Court of Justice brought by Nicaragua, which accuses Germany of complicity in genocide due to its arms exports. How do you think this legal backdrop might affect Germany’s decision-making?
Dr. Matthias Klein: The Nicaragua lawsuit adds a layer of international legal ramifications that Germany must navigate. While the judges did not halt the arms exports, the ongoing case and its potential implications could deter future export strategies or lead to stricter oversight domestically. It emphasizes the urgent need for a broader dialogue on the ethics of arms trade and the accountability of nations in conflict situations.
Time.news Editor: It’s a delicate balance, for sure. With increased arms exports, there seems to be a heightened sense of urgency to address the humanitarian impact of such decisions. Do you think the German government is considering these factors sufficiently?
Dr. Matthias Klein: There’s a perception that the geopolitical landscape drives decision-making, sometimes sacrificing ethical considerations. The government may feel justified in its support of Israel for security reasons, but it’s critical that they also consider the humanitarian consequences of these actions. Long-term peace in the region cannot solely hinge on military support. A comprehensive approach including diplomacy and humanitarian aid is vital.
Time.news Editor: Some would argue that strengthening military ties could lead to an escalation of violence rather than resolution. What alternative approaches could Germany take to navigate this complex scenario?
Dr. Matthias Klein: Germany could promote negotiations and mediation efforts, utilizing its position within the European Union and its relationships with both sides. Engaging in dialogue, advocating for humanitarian assistance, and pushing for ceasefires are crucial. Alongside military support, it’s essential to prioritize conflict resolution strategies that consider the voices and rights of all affected populations.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a multifaceted approach is necessary. In the face of international criticism and domestic dissent, what lasting effects do you foresee for Germany’s foreign policy stance in the Middle East as this situation evolves?
Dr. Matthias Klein: The current approach will likely prompt an ongoing reassessment of Germany’s foreign policy principles. As global scrutiny increases and public opinion plays a more critical role, we could see a shift toward a more balanced foreign policy that merges military support with robust diplomatic efforts. The crux will be in how effectively the government manages these competing pressures.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Klein, for providing such insight into these critical issues. The arms exports to Israel and their broader implications are certainly an evolving story that we will continue to follow.
Dr. Matthias Klein: My pleasure. Thank you for shedding light on this important topic.