Merz: “I Stand by My Decision”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has defended his decision to halt the export of weapons and ammunition to Israel for use in Gaza.

In Germany, while Merz has faced criticism from coalition partner CSU, the strongest reaction has come from his own party, the CDU.

“I did not make this decision alone. But in the end, it is a decision for which I will take responsibility. And I take sole responsibility for it. We cannot export weapons for a conflict that would claim hundreds of thousands of lives and be resolved solely through military means.”

Chancellor Merz stressed that there has been no fundamental change in Germany’s policy toward Israel, adding: “We have a difference of opinion with the Israeli government on this matter. But friendship can endure that.”

Source: ARD / Hürriyet Avrupa