Proposal for a directive sought on shielding workers from ionizing radiation threats by the Commission.
In a significant move, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has decided to halt certain arms exports to Israel, following an "unexpected decision by the Israeli cabinet." Norbert Röttgen, Deputy Chairman of the Union faction, has expressed his support for this decision.
The halted weapons were reportedly involved in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Merz stated that weapons cannot be delivered in a conflict being exclusively resolved by military means. This decision comes amidst a disagreement within Germany about Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip.
Röttgen, in his statements, suggests that other European governments are also reacting to Israel's actions in Gaza. He does not see a contradiction between supporting Israel and halting certain arms deliveries, but rather advocates for an end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza while maintaining a close, firm friendship with Israel.
Merz wants to prevent misunderstandings about a shift in German Israel policy, emphasising that "the fundamentals" of Germany's stance "remain unchanged." He also wants to help diplomatically in the conflict.
Röttgen, however, does not provide specific details on how the trust relationship between Germany and Israel will ensure future weapons compliance. He does not mention any shift in German Israel policy or any concerns about public opinion regarding Israel.
Chancellor's Chief of Staff Thorsten Frei (CDU) has expressed support for Röttgen's stance on the German government's decision to restrict certain arms deliveries to Israel. Merz bears the ultimate responsibility for this decision, which he believes was both necessary and correct, legally and politically.
Merz is not overly concerned with public opinion regarding Israel, and he wants to help in resolving the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The issue of future weapons not being used in Gaza will be resolved within the trust relationship between Germany and Israel, according to Röttgen.
In conclusion, the German government's decision to halt certain arms exports to Israel is a response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. While the government continues to support Israel, it is focusing on resolving the humanitarian crisis and ensuring that any future weapons will not be used in Gaza.
