Hamburg's parliamentary president Veit leaves Israel in the middle of war turmoil

Hamburg's parliamentary president Veit leaves Israel in the middle of war turmoil

The tensions in Middle East have reached a new escalation level, which also led to an unexpected adventure for Hamburg's parliamentary president Carola Veit (SPD). After sitting in Tel Aviv due to military attacks, she found a ride towards Jordan after three nights. From there she plans to travel back to Hamburg, probably via Saudi Arabia. Israeli airspace has been blocked since the beginning of the fighting, which also complicates the Situation. Her return flight originally planned for Friday was made impossible by the tense situation, which she clarifies in an interview with the NDR: "People here are surprised by the current situation." NDR

The background of these military conflicts are complex. Israel launched attacks on Iran on Friday night, which is regarded in response to an existential threat. Israeli politicians in Iran see the ultimate threat and write this nation a role in the attacks by deputy organizations such as the Hisbollah and Hamas. These groups have been militarily equipped with Iranian support in recent years and actively act against Israel. Tagesschau

a dangerous conflict

The situation in Israel presents itself alarming. A major attack on Iranian nuclear facilities was started, which the Israeli President Izchak Herzog justifies with the need to secure the Jewish people. Secret service information proves that Iran runs a secret nuclear program, which further fuels the tensions. "Iran is considered a big threat to Israel, especially if it is enabled to develop nuclear weapons," explains a military specialist. This is underpinned by reports on Iranian uranium, which is already available at a purity of 60 percent. ZDF

While Carola Veit was in Israel to exchange ideas with various political and cultural institutions, she also met the Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem and the Israeli Parliament that knew. It describes the situation as "highly dangerous" and expresses concerns about the effects on the security architecture of the region. The shops and schools are severely restricted in Israel, public life has almost taken a standstill.

The international dimension

The international reactions to the military actions of Israel are mixed. US President Donald Trump pursues the goal of negotiating a new nuclear deal with Iran, while the Israeli government prefers military solutions. The discussion about a conference on the establishment of a Palestinian state is currently being postponed at least until further notice. The tensions could lead to regional effects that could also affect Iraq and other neighboring countries.

"We are at a critical point," says Veit. "Here it becomes clear how fragile the security situation in this region is - and how quickly it can get out of control." The fears that the Huthi militia in Yemen and the Lebanese Hisbollah could intervene in the conflict will increase the worries about wider escalation in the Middle East.

Veit therefore sees itself the responsibility to point out the pressure situation and warns of prudence in the international community to prevent worse things.