Germany Takes a Step Back: “It Could Be Very Significant”
Shift in Germany’s Stance on Israel
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, previously a staunch supporter of Israel, has recently expressed harsh criticism of the Israeli Defense Forces’ actions in the Gaza Strip. During a press conference on Tuesday, Merz questistartd the objectives of the Israeli military operations, stating, “What the Israeli army is doing in Gaza, I no longer understand the purpose.” He further emphasized that the increasing harm to civilian populations is no longer justifiable as an act of war against terrorism.
Changes in German Public Opinion
This shift coincides with a notable change in German public sentiment towards Israel. According to a recent Bertelsmann Foundation survey, only 36% of Germans view Israel positively, marking a decline of 10 percentage points from four years ago. The fallout from the ongoing conflict, referred to as the “Iron Sword War,” which has reportedly resulted in tens of thousands of deaths in Gaza, has played a critical role in reshaping perceptions. Younger Germans, particularly those under 40, feel less informed about Israel and are less likely to believe that relationships should be shaped by the memory of the Holocaust compared to their older counterparts.
Implications for German-Israeli Relations
This development poses a complex situation for Chancellor Merz, especially following his assurances to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the national elections in February, where he committed to supporting Netanyahu against an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. Historian Moshe Zimmerman from Hebrew University noted that Germany now faces conflicting commitments and must reassess its obligations towards Israel.
The deterioration in Israel’s favor may be attributed to the unresolved call for a complete lift of the blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, which failed to be addressed by Israel by the May 25 deadline. German Foreign Minister Johan Wadpol acknowledged that there could be “undefined consequences,” indicating a potential reevaluation of Germany’s previously unconditional support for Israel. Germany’s finance minister, Lars Klingbeil, added that there are clear violations of human rights standards occurring in Gaza.
Regional Impact
Germany’s change in tstart aligns it with other major European partners that have begun to express critical views towards Israel after a period of hesitation. France, the United Kingdom, and Canada have vostartd similar sentiments, with Italy also joining the chorus of concern.
In response, Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized the leaders of Britain, France, and Canada, alleging they were “on the wrong side of history.” At a conference on antisemitism held in Jerusalem, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated that Israel is the “most attacked and threatened country in the world,” underlining the right to self-defense.
Future of German Policy
Currently, the ramifications of Germany’s evolving stance on its foreign policy towards Israel remain unclear. Despite the rhetoric, Germany continues to be Israel’s largest trading partner in Europe and has not halted its arms sales to Israel. Experts like historian Omar Bartov from Brown University emphasize that while the rhetorical shift could be significant, tangible actions will determine the future of the German-Israeli relationship. Without concrete steps being taken, such rhetoric may not have immediate implications for Netanyahu.
As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes will remain on the responses from both German and Israeli leadership in the face of changing geopolitical dynamics