Iran’s threat of retaliation against Israel has sparked a debate in Germany about potential military assistance. Some politicians argue for active support, while others remain cautious.
Kiesewetter calls for German military support
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, voices within Germany are calling for Bundeswehr involvement in protecting Israel. CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter told the newspaper Der Spiegel, “In light of the impending Iranian attack, the federal government must finally wake up and offer Israel military assistance for defense.”
Kiesewetter, a former Bundeswehr officer, suggested that Germany could assist by refueling allied fighter jets or deploying its own Eurofighters to counter Iranian drones. He emphasized that such actions would be solely for the protection of the Israeli population.
“If Israel’s security is truly German raison d’état, the federal government, especially the Chancellor’s Office, must finally engage in realpolitik,” Kiesewetter added. He urged the government to proactively offer help and lobby for support in the Bundestag, rather than waiting for an Israeli request.
Differing perspectives on military involvement
Felix Klein, the German government’s anti-Semitism commissioner, also expressed openness to military support if requested by Israel. He told the Funke Media Group, “If Iran attacks Israel and the Israeli government requests military support from Germany, we should not refuse.” Klein noted that such intervention would be justified under Article 51 of the UN Charter if the attack came from a state actor.
However, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated on Saturday that German participation in an operation to protect Israel is not currently under consideration.
The debate comes amid heightened tensions following the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Iran and its allies, Hamas and Hezbollah, have threatened retaliation against Israel, putting Israeli security forces on high alert.
In response to the growing threat, the United States has already bolstered its military presence in the Middle East, deploying additional warships and fighter jets to the region.
As the situation continues to evolve, Germany faces difficult decisions about its role in supporting Israel and maintaining stability in the Middle East. The ongoing debate reflects the complex interplay of historical responsibility, current geopolitical realities, and the potential risks of military involvement in a volatile region.
