The "Drecksarbeit" Controversy: Friedrich Merz’s Provocative Stance on Israel’s Actions Against Iran
On June 17, 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sparked a firestorm of debate with a single phrase uttered during a ZDF interview on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada: “Das ist die Drecksarbeit, die Israel macht für uns alle” (“That’s the dirty work Israel is doing for us all”). Referring to Israel’s military strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, Merz’s choice of words—echoing the term “Drecksarbeit” (dirty work) introduced by ZDF moderator Diana Zimmermann—ignited a fierce political and public controversy in Germany and beyond. This blog post delves into the context, reactions, and implications of Merz’s statement, exploring its significance in German foreign policy, its domestic repercussions, and the broader geopolitical landscape.
The Context: Merz’s Statement and Its Origins
The interview took place against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Israel conducting targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and military infrastructure. These actions were widely seen as a response to Iran’s advancing nuclear program, its support for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, and its supply of drones to Russia for use in Ukraine. Merz, a seasoned politician and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), was asked by Zimmermann whether Israel was doing the “dirty work” for the international community by preemptively addressing the Iranian threat.
Merz’s response was unequivocal: he affirmed that Israel’s actions were indeed the “dirty work” benefiting the global community, expressing “great respect” for the courage of Israel’s leadership and military. He framed Iran as a destabilizing force, responsible for “death and destruction” through terrorism, proxy militias, and its nuclear ambitions. By adopting Zimmermann’s provocative phrasing, Merz signaled a blunt, unapologetic stance—a departure from the measured diplomacy typically associated with German chancellors.
Merz later defended his word choice, calling it a deliberate reflection of his “realpolitik” perspective. He argued that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons was in the interest of Europe and the world, and Israel’s actions served that goal. His remarks aligned with a broader narrative among Western leaders about the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program, but the term “Drecksarbeit” carried a visceral edge that amplified its impact.
The Fallout: A Polarized Response
Merz’s statement unleashed a torrent of reactions, exposing deep divisions within Germany’s political landscape, media, and public discourse. Below, we break down the key responses:
Criticism
from Political Opponents
Opposition parties were quick to condemn Merz’s remarks, accusing him of legitimizing potentially illegal military actions and trivializing civilian suffering:
Social Democratic Party (SPD): SPD politician Ralf Stegner called the statement “befremdlich” (disturbing), suggesting that Merz’s use of “dirty work” implied he viewed Israel’s actions as völkerrechtswidrig (contrary to international law). Stegner criticized Merz for undermining Germany’s commitment to diplomacy and de-escalation.
The Greens: Green Party politician Deborah Düring labeled the remark “cynical,” arguing that it disregarded the civilian casualties resulting from Israel’s strikes. She urged a return to diplomatic efforts, such as reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.
The Left (Die Linke): Left Party politician Sören Pellmann went further, branding Merz’s statement a “skandal” (scandal) and accusing him of endorsing violations of international law. Pellmann argued that Merz’s rhetoric risked escalating tensions in an already volatile region.
Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW): Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the populist BSW, described the statement as an “Entgleisung” (derailment), accusing Merz of double standards. She pointed out that Western leaders often condemn Iran while overlooking Israel’s actions, which she claimed also caused significant harm.
The criticism wasn’t limited to politicians. Gilda Sahebi, a prominent German-Iranian journalist, voiced outrage on behalf of the Iranian diaspora, arguing that Merz’s statement ignored the human cost of Israel’s strikes on Iranian soil. She and others highlighted the risk of dehumanizing rhetoric in discussions of Middle Eastern conflicts.
Support
from Allies
Despite the backlash, Merz found defenders among his party, Israel’s diplomatic representatives, and some media outlets:
Israel’s Ambassador: Ron Prosor, Israel’s ambassador to Germany, praised Merz for his candor, stating that the chancellor had “clearly described the realities in the Middle East.” Prosor emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program posed a threat not only to Israel but also to Europe, framing Merz’s remarks as a courageous acknowledgment of a shared security interest.
CDU Colleagues: Thorsten Frei, head of the Chancellery, backed Merz, arguing that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons was a global priority. CDU foreign policy experts Jürgen Hardt and Roderich Kiesewetter echoed this sentiment, praising Merz for addressing Iran’s destabilizing role and its support for terrorism.
Media Support: Some outlets, like *Der Tagesspiegel*, cautiously commended Merz’s honesty, noting that his remarks reflected a pragmatic recognition of geopolitical realities. They argued that while the phrasing was provocative, it sparked a necessary debate about Europe’s reliance on others to address threats like Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Public
and Social Media Reactions
On platforms like X, Merz’s statement fueled intense debate. Users were sharply divided:Critics, such as @JohannesVarwick, called the remark “skandalös” (scandalous), arguing that it normalized violations of international law. Others described the term “Drecksarbeit” as crass and undiplomatic, likening Merz’s rhetoric to the blunt style of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Supporters, particularly those aligned with pro-Israel sentiments, hailed Merz for his clarity. They argued that Iran’s actions—its nuclear program, support for Hezbollah, and aggression toward Israel—justified Merz’s stance.
The term “Drecksarbeit” itself became a lightning rod, with some users decrying its connotations of moral compromise, while others saw it as a refreshingly honest acknowledgment of the messy realities of global security.
The Implications: A Shift in German Foreign Policy?
Merz’s statement represents a significant departure from Germany’s traditional foreign policy, which has long emphasized diplomacy, multilateralism, and restraint in Middle Eastern conflicts. Under previous chancellors like Angela Merkel, Germany prioritized initiatives like the JCPOA to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions through negotiation rather than confrontation. Merz’s endorsement of Israel’s unilateral military actions—and his provocative language—signals a more assertive, realpolitik-driven approach.
Breaking
Diplomatic Norms
By adopting the term “Drecksarbeit,” Merz shattered the diplomatic decorum typically expected of a German chancellor. Critics argue that his rhetoric risks alienating partners in the Global South and complicating Germany’s role as a mediator in international conflicts. The Berliner Zeitung described Merz’s stance as “elitär” (elitist), suggesting it reflects a Western-centric worldview that dismisses the perspectives of non-Western nations.
Alignment
with Israel
Merz’s remarks underscore Germany’s unwavering support for Israel, rooted in historical responsibility for the Holocaust and a commitment to Israel’s security. However, his explicit endorsement of Israel’s military actions goes beyond previous expressions of solidarity, raising questions about Germany’s neutrality in the Israeli-Iranian conflict. This shift could strain relations with countries advocating for a more balanced approach to Middle Eastern issues.
Tensions
with Iran
Merz’s statement has further strained Germany’s already fragile relationship with Iran. Tehran has long criticized Western powers for their perceived hypocrisy in addressing Middle Eastern conflicts, and Merz’s remarks are likely to deepen this rift. The Iranian government has not publicly responded to Merz’s statement (based on available information), but the backlash from the German-Iranian community suggests it has exacerbated feelings of marginalization.
Domestic
Political Risks
Domestically, Merz’s statement has exposed fault lines within Germany’s coalition government and broader society. The CDU’s coalition partners, including the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and potentially the Greens, may face pressure to distance themselves from Merz’s rhetoric to avoid alienating their voter bases. The controversy also risks galvanizing opposition parties, particularly the SPD and Greens, who see an opportunity to portray Merz as reckless and out of touch.
Analysis:
Why “Drecksarbeit” Struck a Nerve
The term “Drecksarbeit” is inherently loaded, evoking notions of morally questionable tasks performed for the benefit of others who avoid getting their hands dirty. By embracing this phrase, Merz tapped into a broader debate about the ethics of international security: Is it acceptable for one nation (Israel) to bear the burden of confronting a shared threat (Iran’s nuclear program) while others (Europe, the U.S.) remain on the sidelines? Merz’s supporters argue that his statement acknowledges this uncomfortable reality, while critics contend it endorses a dangerous precedent of bypassing international law.
The controversy also reflects deeper tensions in German society, including:
Historical Sensitivities: Germany’s unique relationship with Israel, shaped by its Nazi past, makes any discussion of Israeli military actions highly sensitive. Merz’s critics argue that his statement risks oversimplifying a complex conflict, while his supporters see it as a necessary affirmation of solidarity.
Immigration and Identity: The backlash from the German-Iranian community highlights the challenges of navigating foreign policy in a diverse society. Merz’s remarks, perceived as dismissive of Iranian perspectives, have fueled accusations of insensitivity toward minority groups.
Populism and Polarization: Merz’s blunt style, reminiscent of populist leaders, appeals to some voters but alienates others. His refusal to back down from the statement suggests a calculated effort to project strength, but it may deepen political polarization.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Merz’s Chancellorship
Friedrich Merz’s “Drecksarbeit” comment is more than a diplomatic gaffe—it’s a defining moment that reveals the contours of his leadership and Germany’s evolving role on the world stage. By aligning himself with Israel’s actions and adopting provocative language, Merz has staked out a bold, divisive position that challenges Germany’s traditional foreign policy. Whether this gamble strengthens his domestic standing or undermines his credibility remains to be seen.
For now, the controversy underscores the complexities of addressing global security threats in an era of heightened geopolitical tensions. Merz’s statement has forced Germany to confront uncomfortable questions about its values, alliances, and responsibilities. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the term “Drecksarbeit” will linger in the public consciousness, a stark reminder of the messy realities of power and morality in international politics.
Sources:
- ZDF Interview, June 17, 2025
- Statements from SPD, Greens, Die Linke, BSW, and CDU politicians
- Commentary from *Berliner Zeitung*, *Der Tagesspiegel*, and *BILD*
- X posts and public reactions
- Statements from Israel’s Ambassador Ron Prosor and German-Iranian journalist Gilda Sahebi