German navy sailing into history

The German navy sailed to Lebanon to patrol the Lebanese Coast as part of the UN peace effort. There was great discussion in Germany about having German troops participate in an action that could bring them into conflict with Jewish soldiers. Yet, despite the concern, off went up to 2,400 Navy personnel. However, no ground troops will be stationed there. Merkel describes the event as "historic." But, surely history would have been better served by stronger opposition against Israel's invasion.