Defence Minister Pledges Germany's Full Support to Israel
US News & World ReportOct 19, 2023
German Lawyers Sue Scholz, Allege Complicity in Gaza
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The Facts
A group of German lawyers announced Friday they are suing members of the country's Federal Security Council, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, for "aiding and abetting" Israel's campaign against Gaza which the lawyers characterize as a genocide.
The lawyers, representing Gaza families, have also named Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and Finance Minister Christian Lindner in their criminal complaint.
The Spin
Narrative A
Germany must maintain its support for Israel with the utmost clarity. Historically, even the country's left-wing parties have been unwavering in backing the Jewish state. Due to German society's history, the country's post-war raison d'être is to protect and support the Jewish people. This support has been material, moral, and even legal, per Berlin's declared stance at the International Court of Justice.
Narrative B
Germany's blank check to Israel — offered as atonement for history — completely misses the point of that sentiment. The political class has, so far, been unable to acknowledge Israel's brutal policies in Gaza, which is inadvertently stifling Germany's evolution into a country that has truly reckoned with its terrible past. It's admirable that German society seeks to redeem itself, but supporting the wanton killing of Palestinians does the opposite.
Nerd narrative
There's a 2% chance of Israel joining the EU before Jan. 1, 2050, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
