Dr. Weber pointed out that Germany and Europe are currently exposed to a variety of hybrid threats and emphasized the importance of raising awareness of targeted tests and attacks on critical infrastructure. At the same time, he stressed that complete surveillance is not possible in the current state of peace, even though selective measures such as drone operations are already being implemented.
With regard to the demonstrations against the backdrop of the Berlin Security Conference, Weber explained that security conferences always provoke protest, but that there is currently little hope for serious peace initiatives – especially since Russia is not showing any interest in negotiations at the moment. With regard to the war in Ukraine, Dr. Weber referred to a geopolitical development in which the US is increasingly withdrawing, while European partners are bearing the brunt of the burden of supporting Ukraine.
With regard to the UN resolution on Gaza, Weber welcomed the signal it sent but expressed doubts about the feasibility of concrete steps. He emphasized that a viable solution for Gaza was not realistic at present as long as Israel did not accept a Palestinian state and the resolution remained very vague. He also pointed out that disarming Hamas was a considerable challenge and that there was currently no political implementation plan for the future administration of Gaza. Weber emphasized that only the US could effectively persuade Israel to make strategic concessions. However, as long as concrete steps were not taken, the situation would hardly improve.