Overview

• Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly criticized Israeli military operations in Gaza, describing the civilian toll as unjustifiable and potentially breaching international law.
• Merz emphasized Germany's historical responsibility to support Israel but stated that violations of international law cannot be ignored.
• Despite growing public and political pressure, Merz reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supplying arms to Israel, citing its right to self-defense as a core policy principle.
• The Social Democratic Party (SPD), part of the governing coalition, continues to advocate for an arms embargo, reflecting internal divisions on the issue.
• A recent ZDF poll revealed that 80% of Germans view Israel's actions in Gaza as unjustifiable, with half opposing continued arms exports to the country.