German Foreign Minister Admits ‘Dilemma’ Over Israel Arms Exports but Offers No Change
Beirut (Quds News Network)- Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated on Wednesday that the issue of supplying weapons to the occupation state of Israel presents a “dilemma” due to concerns over violations of international humanitarian law.
Baerbock made these comments during her visit to Lebanon, where she held talks aimed at de-escalating the situation as Israel continues to attack the country. Her visit follows recent reports that Israeli forces had targeted United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.
“On one hand, Israel is attacked daily, and not supporting it means people are not protected,” Baerbock claimed. “On the other hand, Germany also has a responsibility to uphold international humanitarian law.”
Despite raising concerns, Baerbock did not suggest that Germany would change its longstanding policy of providing military aid to Israel. Last week, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to continue arms exports to the occupation state, emphasizing the strong alliance between the two states.
Baerbock highlighted the critical role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has faced deliberate attacks by Israeli forces, according to a recent UN report. “Any deliberate attack on UN peacekeepers violates humanitarian law,” Baerbock stressed.
Israel has claimed that UNIFIL forces have acted as ‘shield for Hezbollah’. Israel also ordered UNIFIL to evacuate its peacekeepers from its positions, a request UNIFIL has declined.
Despite the challenges, Germany has continued to supply military aid to Israel. According to Germany’s DPA news agency, Berlin approved arms exports worth 31 million euros ($34 million) to Israel over the last eight weeks—more than double the amount approved in the first seven and a half months of the year.
