Germany finds itself in a profound moral and political bind regarding its stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict, a dilemma uniquely shaped by its historical responsibility towards Israel.
The bedrock of German-Israeli relations, forged in the shadow of the Holocaust, has long been characterized by a profound sense of gratitude and humility on Germany’s part. As former German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier reflected, the friendship between the two nations was once “utterly inconceivable” but became a “gift” Germany gratefully accepted, forever conscious of its historical guilt.
This deep-seated commitment was further solidified by Angela Merkel’s declaration in 2008, asserting Israel’s security as part of Germany’s “reason of state” due to its “special historical responsibility.” These words, she emphasized, were not to remain empty, especially during times of crisis.
However, as international pressure mounts over the escalating situation in Gaza, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces a significant quandary. While he has publicly condemned the Israeli government’s actions in unusually strong terms for a German leader, stating that harm to civilians “can no longer be justified,” Germany has largely refrained from concrete punitive measures.
Despite Merz hinting at a potential reconsideration of Germany’s block on EU-level sanctions against Israel, his conservative party consistently opposes or obstructs any tangible actions. These could include limiting weapons deliveries, partially suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, or joining other European nations in recognizing Palestinian statehood, all of which could significantly impact the ongoing conflict.
The German government, particularly through Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, continues to advocate for its strategy of using close ties with Israel to act as a “bridge” between the EU and Israel, aiming to prevent a deeper rift. Wadephul’s discussions in Jerusalem are crucial in reassessing Germany’s position, as they gauge Israel’s willingness to negotiate a ceasefire or facilitate humanitarian aid.
Merz’s conservative faction is not only facing international scrutiny but also increasing pressure from within its own coalition, particularly from the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD). SPD lawmakers advocate for more concrete measures and urge Germany to stop obstructing potential EU actions, highlighting a growing isolation of Germany’s current stance among European leaders.
Interestingly, this Gaza dilemma coincides with a notable shift in Germany’s migration policy under Merz. Unlike previous governments that sought to moderate Europe’s impulses on migration, Berlin is now actively championing a stricter anti-immigration agenda, reflecting a broader rightward turn in the EU’s approach to asylum-seekers. This strategic pivot, while seemingly unrelated, underscores a more assertive and less conciliatory German foreign policy direction under Merz’s leadership.
Adding to the domestic challenges, the German government is also grappling with a looming €30 billion budget deficit, a significant hurdle for the ruling coalition. This fiscal predicament, coupled with the complex foreign policy issues, paints a picture of a government navigating multiple significant internal and external pressures.
