- Britain, the United States and allies launched attacks on Yemen’s Houthi rebels this week
France, Italy and Germany were last night accused of a “lack of will to fight” after refusing to join Britain and the US in defending the Red Sea.
Britain and the United States launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen on Thursday night following attacks on naval and commercial ships.
Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea and Bahrain signed a joint statement supporting the U.S. and British attacks and warning of further action, with the Netherlands providing additional support.
But while Spain and Germany remain on the sidelines, the French Navy focuses on supporting French-flagged ships.
Last night, former Royal Navy commander Rear Admiral Chris Parry rebuked them for their inaction.
“The lack of political will and courage unfolding in the face of threats to the international rules-based system shows once again the same old story as in Europe: greedy appeasement and the ‘Fight! It is a policy of ‘no.’ , I won’t fight.”
Spain is probably the worst offender. For centuries, its fleet was the world’s most feared maritime force, refusing to defend any ships passing through the Red Sea.
In a clear betrayal of maritime history, the country’s Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed that Spanish ships would not join the international security alliance against the Houthis.
The UK and US are key members of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a group of more than 20 countries working to stop rocket and drone attacks. Notably, Ms. Robles said Spain’s refusal was based on a “commitment to peace.”
He also confirmed that Spain would reject an invitation to participate in a planned European Union counter-piracy mission in the region.
“The EU may decide to carry out the (naval) mission within the next few days,” he said.
“The extent to which that mission will be approved remains to be seen, but for now, out of a sense of responsibility and commitment to peace, Spain’s position is not to intervene in the Red Sea.”
Her comments suggested further rifts could emerge between EU member states over what action to take on the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
She also added, inexplicably, that “every country has to account for its actions.” This may have attacked Britain and the United States.
Much of the EU’s trade to Asia passes through the Red Sea. France is also concerned that its overseas territories in the Indian and Pacific Oceans could be affected by the disruption.
France confirmed yesterday that its seafarers will continue to escort commercial ships under its flag along the endangered shipping route. However, their captain will not accept orders from a foreign captain.
They will work with ships belonging to Operation Prosperity Guardian, but “there will be no subordination,” a French naval official said.
Yesterday, the country also refused to sign a statement supporting the coalition offensive against the Houthis.
French naval commander in the region, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Soulard, said Paris’ current mission does not extend to direct attacks on the group’s military infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Germany, like Spain, does not participate in ship protection operations, but said it cannot do so due to constitutional issues.
Its constitution declares that Germany can only participate in missions under the auspices of NATO or the EU. Operation Prosperity Guardian, the US-led alliance in the Red Sea, is nothing more than a “coalition of the willing.”
Last night Germany said it was in close contact with partner countries. The government official added that the British and US airstrikes were not a surprise.
Julian Barnes-Dacey, head of the Middle East and North Africa program at the European Council on Foreign Relations think tank, said France wanted to maintain “some distance” from the airstrikes.
He said; “The French fear that their space for influence will shrink as they become embroiled in polarization and conflict between the United States and Iran.” Similar things were seen when they did not participate in operations.”