This op-ed was first published at Jüdische Allgemeine. 

The German federal government must now close the IZH in Hamburg and finally place the Revolutionary Guard on the EU terror list.

By Remko Leemhuis

Since last night, the federal government has been left facing the ruins of Germany's Iran policy, which, however, goes back much further than the current government’s time in office. Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, all of the democratic parties without exception have supported this appeasement policy, and they therefore share responsibility for it. Politicians would thus be well advised not to use the Iranian attack on Israel for partisan politics - not least, and most importantly, because mutual finger-pointing in this country does nothing to bolster Israel's security right now.

The cross-party debate should focus on how to provide concrete help to the Jewish State in this situation that threatens its very existence. A first step would be for the German government to push for the listing of the Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) as a terrorist organization in the EU. This measure would make a significant impact on Iran’s economy, which would also limit Iran’s ability to support its network of terrorist groups and militias in the region. The time of excuses and hiding behind alleged legal hurdles must end now.

As a next step, the German government should finally close the Iranian regime's most important institution in Europe, the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH), and expel the regime's representatives there. This should have been done immediately after October 7, especially as a message to the mullahs that Berlin is fully aware that Hamas would not have been able to carry out this antisemitic mass murder without help from Iran, and that those ultimately responsible are thus in Tehran.

Furthermore, the crimes that the regime commits against its own people should have more serious consequences. After all, the courageous Iranians who repeatedly rise up against the regime at immense risk and great sacrifice are the ones who will one day build a free and democratic Iran.

Finally, all democratic parties should support Israel's right and duty to defend its citizens without compromise. Not only because last night's attacks are in part the result of decades of misguided Iran policy, but also because those responsible in Jerusalem know what needs to be done now.

The Jewish State is faced with difficult tasks. It does not need lectures or declarations in the vein of hackneyed Remembrance Day rhetoric, but rather tangible commitments that increase its security.

The policies of the past can no longer be corrected, but now it will become clear whether Germany will live up to its historical responsibility towards the Jewish State and stand by Israel in one of the most threatening moments in its history. Without ifs or buts.