Merkel Defends Israel's Existence, Criticizes Gaza Conduct
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel affirmed Israel's right to exist as a German national interest but criticized its conduct in Gaza. She warned of practical threats to Israel from Iran and Hamas, calling the October 7th attacks a Hamas assault. Merkel also rejected cooperation with Germany's "Die Linke" party over antisemitism concerns and defended her 2015 refugee policies, while cautioning against the far-right "Alternative for Germany."
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel affirmed Israel's right to exist as a German national interest.
- Merkel criticized Israel's conduct in Gaza, stating criticism is permissible but must ensure Israel's survival.
- She warned of practical threats to Israel's existence from Iran and Hamas.
- Merkel characterized the October 7th attacks as a Hamas assault on Israel.
- She rejected cooperation with Germany's "Die Linke" party due to antisemitism concerns.
- Merkel defended her 2015 refugee policies and warned against the far-right "Alternative for Germany."
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated her commitment to Israel's security, stating that its right to exist is a core German national interest. However, she also criticized the Israeli government's conduct in Gaza, emphasizing that while criticism is permissible, it must always be framed within the context of ensuring Israel's continued existence. Merkel pointed out that her past statements supporting Israel's right to exist are sometimes misinterpreted as a ban on criticizing the Israeli government, a practice she engaged in frequently during her chancellorship.
Merkel addressed the threat posed by Iran, Hamas, and other actors, asserting that Israel's existence is under practical, not just theoretical, danger. She characterized the October 7th attacks as a Hamas assault on Israel, not an Israeli operation in Gaza. Recalling the 2005 disengagement, she noted Hamas's subsequent rise to power and its genocidal policies against Israel. Merkel expressed surprise at the limited criticism directed at Hamas, even from within Gaza, and questioned the disproportionate global focus on Israel compared to the widespread hunger in Yemen and Sudan.
Regarding antisemitism concerns within Germany's left-wing parties, Merkel rejected cooperation with the party "Die Linke," citing specific, incomprehensible statements and a particular problem with the party on this issue. She also defended her refugee policies from 2015, clarifying her stance on accepting refugees and her efforts to find European solutions, like the deal with Turkey, to maintain freedom of movement. Merkel warned against the rise of the far-right party "Alternative for Germany," expressing doubts about its adherence to Germany's constitution, particularly regarding the exclusion of immigrants and those who look different.
She stated that while she never opposed returning individuals without a right to stay to their home countries, she objected to preventing them from entering Germany from Austria using water cannons or police force. Merkel's remarks were made in an interview with "Studopolis."
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