DW: When both Friedrich Merc critiques Israel – the world
Criticisms at the expense of Israeli leading war in Gaza are often rejected as « hate » or « anti-Semitism ». But now the chancellor of Friedrich Merc was also spoken. And he is the otherwise friend of Israel. How was his words were welcomed?
« It’s a human tragedy and a political disaster, » said Friedrich Merc at the beginning of the week. He, as he said, « honestly said » no longer understands « With what goal » is Israel to implement shares in Gaza.
Below Merc pointed out that he is aware of the German history and that he wants to express criticism appropriately. « When the boundaries are exceeded, where international humanitarian law really violates, then the Federal Chancellor must say something about it. »
So clearly, no German high politician pleaded the war in the gaza band.
Immediately after Merc’s remarks, an Israeli ambassador announced in Germany, Ron window. « The words of the German chancellor Friedrich Merca have a weight, » he stated online X. « Since he was a friend of Israel, we take his words seriously – unlike those who are constantly unilaterally criticized. »
It is also clear that Israel after 7. October 2023 « cannot accept the second Hamas’ terrorist state, » the window added. « At the same time, we need to save hostages, we supply the inhabitants of Gaza and fight terrorists. In Gaza, schools turned into gun warehouses, barracks, and hospitals in command centers. »
Hamas, which by Israel, Germany and many other states were declared a terrorist organization, denies it.
« Merc’s words hit a political elite »
It is also interesting that, although the Israeli media reported Merc’s statements, so far there was relatively few official issues, Simon Wolfgang Fuks, an expert in Islam at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
« On the one hand, it probably has to do with the fact that Friedrich Merc, despite all criticism, remained quite indefinite in terms of possible consequences, » says fuks.
Other European countries are more sharper criticized Israeli proceedings in the gauze belt.
« Chancellor Merc is, on the other hand, so far has been very restrained, » says Fuks. « It seems to me that the current silence is proof that his remarks certainly hit the political elite and how serious his words are perceived in Jerusalem. »
How to influence Netanyahua?
This indicates a comment published in the left-liberal Israeli list of HAREC – one of the few posted views so far.
When left-handed politicians criticized Netanyahu’s actions in the gaza band, he usually accused them that they succumbed to the influence of anti-Semitic forces, lists the paper. But when criticism comes from pro-Israeli votes like Friedrich Merca, he almost does not respond.
« Like American President Donald Tramp … Only right-oriented politicians have an impact on a rebellious prime minister while killing dozens of Palestinians a day, how to report health institutions in Gaza, » says Harec.
This logic is evident and in the reaction of the ambassador of the window, says more Haarec. « The window every critique of the Jewish state is usually characterized as hatred towards the Jews. His restraint reveals Bitter Truth: Israel listens only to his conservative, right-oriented allies. »
« New tones »
Merc’s words should be heard in Israel, he is expecting an expert in Israel Peter Lintl from the Berlin Foundation for Science and Policy. It points to the fact that most EU member states voted to revise an association agreement with Israel.
In it, on the one hand, promotes the economic integration of the country in the EU, but also requires respect for human rights.
The fact that this Agreement is now questioned, in Israel, has left the impression, as well as increasingly stronger criticism of the American government and some senators who are in the ordinary in the mood to Israel. « It seems to me that this broader context is crucial. But new tones from Germany will be perceived. »
Merc’s words could have an echo in Israel, because many Israelis are currently concerned that their country becomes all isolation, fuks said.
« I have the impression that many Israeli people are currently losing a reputation that can no longer be seen as a member of Western community. However, most Israelites belong to the west and want to stay part of him, » he points out.
Call by German politicians
But it is questionable whether criticism of Friedrich Merca will help stop war, Peter Lintl considered. The basic question is at what is the pressure of Netanyha within its coalition.
« Some members of the Government are committed to re-occupying the gauze belt. And Netanyahu politically depends on them. The question is whether the current course changes. »
German politicians would now, say Haarec, should be refrained from statements that they are responsible for providing the right to the existence of Israel.
« Their duty, on the contrary, is to re-examine the way of Israel, especially because it is based on their support or will only do everything in its power to prevent the cruel killing of Palestinian children in Gaza, whoever does not intend to suspend in the foreseeable future. »
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