The co-chair of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Tino Chrupalla, criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz for pledging continued support to Israel. Chrupalla argued that by supplying arms to Israel, Scholz is essentially accepting civilian casualties on both sides, worsening the conflict rather than de-escalating it.
Chrupalla emphasized the need for a critical dialogue with the Israeli government and called for a focus on peace and a two-state solution in the region. However, Scholz defended Germany’s arms deliveries to Israel, stating that solidarity and support for Israel’s defense are crucial.
Despite protests from the Greens Party, part of Scholz’s ruling coalition, Germany resumed arms exports to Israel last week. This decision comes amid renewed violence in the region, with Israel continuing its offensive on Gaza. The situation has led to a high number of casualties and displacements in the Gaza Strip.