Israel has enjoyed cordial relations with Germany for almost 60 years and has always welcomed German tourists, students and businessmen.
It is precisely because Israel has such trust in Germany as an ally and friend that it is suggesting that German peacekeepers get involved in the reconstruction of Lebanon - probably because so many countries that supply large numbers of peacekeepers, like Nigeria and Pakistan, cannot be trusted to send fairminded personnel.
I live in a town that has one of the biggest jewish communities in germany - and I am proud that we can live together and they like it here although we have a lot of shiites in this town either. We just finished celebrating the new synagogue.
So, no I am not against german military guarding the innocent people of haifa.
What I cannot stand are the people generously allowing us to make something good or demanding that we do something to deminish our guilt. There's been a lot of this "cash in the holocaust" talk.
Whenever there's military aid to israel involved some israeli smart a. turns up and allowes us to make something good because of the holocaust. Hard not to puke in this case.
I don't want to make something good for my grandfathers neighbour - and god knows I don't have to.
I want our society to protect those who love peace and freedom and apfelstrudel. No matter what believe they share.
If needs must and all that, then it shall be done with a G 36 if submarines and budgets for joined weapons research projects are not enough - like in this case.
Actually I get the impression we are running into a global overstretch regarding the WOT - and that means all of us.
I'm late to this thread, but I'll say it even if it's been said...Israel doesn't trust France. And rightly so! (Not knocking Germany...not at all)