Germany's Dilemma: Critics Want Tougher Berlin Stance Against Israel

Germany's Dilemma: Critics Want Tougher Berlin Stance Against Israel

Der Spiegel (Germany)

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/critics-want-to-see-berlin-get-tougher-on-israel-a-1031964.html

... In Berlin a debate is unfolding over whether the old rules still apply in dealing with Israel, only this time it is not being led by right-wing firebrands or errant left-wingers, who have always viewed Israel as a satellite of American imperialism. Instead, these issues are being raised by outspoken friends of Israel ... Still, this is precisely what puts [Chancellor] Merkel in a dilemma: On the one hand, she is losing patience with a stubborn prime minister and Israeli policies that, Berlin is convinced, pose a risk to the actual security interests of the Jewish state. On the other hand, Merkel doesn't want to call into question the old rule: When in doubt, favor Israel. Every German chancellor has adhered to this unwritten policy ...