KARL-THEODOR ZU GUTTENBERG - Germany Must Have Israel's Back

[wsj / 02.04.2013] Counterproductive settlement proposals, and German demographic and generational changes, risk undermining popular support for the Jewish state.

There are good reasons for opposing a military showdown. But Berlin needs to explain its options to the German people, while clearly stating that an Iran with nuclear weapons would threaten core security interests for Israel, the West and the region. This kind of strategic communications effort is even more important in a crucial Bundestag election year, and at a time when counterproductive Israeli settlement proposals, as well as German demographic and generational changes, risk undermining popular support for the Jewish state. Opinion polls indicate that a majority of Germans view Israel as an "aggressive" country that "pursues its interests without consideration for other nations."

Berlin should also start thinking about how to support Israel in the wake of potential air strikes on Iran. It is better to develop a plan now than to engage in hectic ad-hoc decision making once the crisis has erupted. Germany's first priority should be to offer Israel civil and military assistance to defend against potential counterattacks. This could be by offering medical equipment or reconnaissance specialists for weapons of mass destruction, or by shoring up the Bundeswehr's naval presence in the eastern Mediterranean. The deployment of Patriot antimissile batteries, though logistically challenging, should also be considered.

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