In a significant policy shift, the German government, under Chancellor Olaf Scholz, is defending its proposal to lift a long-standing veto on Eurofighter aircraft sales to Saudi Arabia. This move comes as Germany emphasizes that Riyadh has adopted a "constructive approach" amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The embargo on Eurofighter sales has been a source of irritation among Germany's European partners © Mena Today
In a significant policy shift, the German government, under Chancellor Olaf Scholz, is defending its proposal to lift a long-standing veto on Eurofighter aircraft sales to Saudi Arabia. This move comes as Germany emphasizes that Riyadh has adopted a "constructive approach" amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The embargo on Eurofighter sales has been a source of irritation among Germany's European partners for several years. The Eurofighter program is a collaborative effort involving the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, with leading defense companies such as BAE Systems, Airbus, and Leonardo participating in its development.
Chancellor Scholz's change in stance has sparked political criticism within Germany, where arms exports have long been a sensitive issue. The decision to reconsider arms sales to Saudi Arabia was announced by Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her visit to Israel.
She stated, "As the German federal government, we do not see ourselves opposing British considerations regarding other Eurofighter deals."
The German veto has effectively blocked a massive pre-order of 48 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, which was originally signed in London during a visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in 2018.
Germany had suspended arms sales to Riyadh since late 2018 following the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an act for which the Saudi Crown Prince was implicated, particularly by U.S. intelligence agencies.
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, this change in Germany's arms export policy could have far-reaching implications for regional dynamics and international relations.
It remains to be seen how this decision will impact Germany's relationships with its European partners, especially in light of the complex geopolitical situation in the region.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, called Iran's newly elected President Massoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday to congratulate him on his recent election victory, according to Saudi state media reports.
Kaja Kallas, who resigned as Estonia's prime minister on Monday to become the European Union's next foreign policy chief, is known for her tough stance on Russia, which may raise doubts as to whether she can represent views from across the bloc.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan accused Israel of having "no intention of peace" in Gaza during a press conference on Sunday with his Saudi counterpart, who was visiting Istanbul.
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