Fact Check: "Germany praises Israel for 'doing the dirty work' against Iran!"
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a controversial statement during an interview with ZDF, where he endorsed Israel's military actions against Iran. He remarked, "This is the dirty work that Israel is doing for all of us," highlighting the perceived necessity of Israel's actions in the context of global security concerns regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions (DW, NY Post). Merz emphasized that the Iranian regime poses a threat not only to Israel but also to Europe, stating, "We are also affected by this regime. This mullah regime has brought death and destruction to the world" (Haaretz).
Merz's comments were made during the G7 summit in Alberta, Canada, and were met with mixed reactions. While some members of his party defended his remarks as a realistic acknowledgment of the threat posed by Iran, opposition leaders criticized the phrasing as insensitive to the victims of conflict (NY Post, Haaretz).
Analysis
The claim that Germany, specifically through its Chancellor, praised Israel for its military actions against Iran is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. Merz's use of the phrase "dirty work" directly aligns with the claim, and his comments were widely reported in reputable news outlets, including DW and Haaretz.
The context of Merz's statement is crucial; he was responding to a question about Israel's military operations, which he framed as necessary for the safety of not only Israel but also European nations. This perspective reflects a broader geopolitical stance that views Iran's nuclear capabilities as a significant threat to global security.
However, the reliability of the sources reporting on this statement is high, as they include established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The potential bias in reporting could stem from the political affiliations of the commentators and the polarized views on the Israel-Iran conflict. Nevertheless, the core of the statement made by Merz is consistent across multiple reports, reinforcing its authenticity.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Germany praises Israel for "doing the dirty work" against Iran is accurate. Chancellor Friedrich Merz explicitly used this phrase during an interview, endorsing Israel's military actions as essential for global security. His comments reflect a significant stance within German politics regarding the threat posed by Iran, confirming the veracity of the claim.
