Germany Demands Seized Russian Assets for Ukraine, Not Palestine
While Merz lobbies for seizing Russian state wealth for Ukrainian reconstruction, the broader ethical implications remain largely undiscussed. The same Western powers that froze Russian assets after its 2022 invasion regularly condemn but rarely sanction Israel for its ongoing, decades-long occupation and destruction in Palestine—crimes that also necessitate rebuilding. Where is the urgent
European push to seize assets from nations whose actions result in Gaza's utter demolition, for example? One might wonder if the 'rules-based order' applies selectively, depending on whose assets are frozen and whose victims are politically convenient to acknowledge. It appears some national treasuries are more fungible than others when it comes to international justice.