German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces escalating diplomatic pressure to fundamentally reassess his nation’s long-standing, staunch support for Israel. As a severe famine threatens Gaza, Merz finds himself increasingly isolated among Europe’s major leaders, resisting a Brussels proposal aimed at sanctioning Benjamin Netanyahu’s government amidst a deepening humanitarian catastrophe.
The European Commission recently put forward a plan advocating for the suspension of specific clauses within the EU-Israel Association Agreement. This bold move came with a stark warning that Israel’s actions have precipitated a “humanitarian catastrophe” endangering “virtually the entire Gaza population,” underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Despite a growing consensus among numerous EU member states favoring such punitive action, Germany has steadfastly refused to endorse the proposal. This stance marks a significant deviation from its traditionally unwavering support for Israel, leading to private expressions of frustration from diplomats across multiple EU countries.
International calls for action have intensified dramatically over the past fortnight, driven by increasingly dire assessments of the humanitarian conditions impacting hundreds of thousands in Gaza. This surge in diplomatic pressure has coincided with several European leaders announcing their intent to recognize a Palestinian state, collectively demanding an immediate halt to hostilities and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.
The Commission further amplified its concerns by issuing a scathing assessment that directly accused Israel of violating international humanitarian law. This critical report highlighted the imminent risk of widespread famine for the entire Gaza population, alongside “thousands of civilian deaths” and a “collapse of basic services” within the besieged territory.
Specifically, the Commission’s proposal, circulated among EU ambassadors, sought to partially suspend Israel’s participation in Horizon Europe, the bloc’s preeminent research program. However, even with the critical urgency, the measure failed to garner sufficient support during a recent meeting of envoys, with Germany and three other nations blocking its passage.
Nevertheless, there are nascent indications that Chancellor Merz’s firm opposition may be starting to waver. His recent statements hinted at a potential shift, contingent on the outcomes of an upcoming visit to Israel by the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the U.K., suggesting a readiness for “further discussions and decisions.”
Concurrently, Merz is contending with mounting domestic pressure within Germany. The Social Democrats (SPD), a key party within the governing coalition, alongside opposition factions, have begun to openly question Germany’s unyielding commitment to Israel in light of the severe humanitarian emergency unfolding in Gaza.
The rapidly evolving diplomatic landscape suggests a potential shift in Germany’s position could occur imminently. EU ambassadors might soon be recalled for an emergency meeting in Brussels to re-vote on the Commission’s Horizon plan, while other European nations, such as the Netherlands, have already moved independently to sanction Israeli ministers, signifying a fracturing EU consensus on the Gaza crisis.
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