TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Germany, as well as the United States, is Israel's strongest ally. During the Gaza war, Germany has consistently voiced unwavering support for Israel's right to self-defense. German politicians often frame Israel's military actions as self-defense against terrorism, echoing the narrative of the Israeli government. This framing has helped legitimize continued political and material support despite international condemnation and the evidence of civilian casualties and potential violations of international law.
Why Did Germany Previously Support Israel?
Germany's support for Israel amid the ongoing Gaza war is deeply rooted in its historic responsibility stemming from the Holocaust and the Nazi past. This commitment, often described as Staatsrason (reason of state) in Germany, reflects a moral and political obligation to ensure Israel's security and existence, a stance repeatedly reaffirmed by German leaders such as Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as reported by Al Jazeera.
This unwavering support is also part of Germany's effort to "whiten" its international image. It's a form of "atonement" following the war and diplomatic relations with Israel, with a broader strategy to grapple with the Nazi legacy while strengthening its position as a European power aligned with the United States. The relationship began with the establishment of Israel in 1948 and was formalized with diplomatic relations in 1965, evolving through the reunification of Germany and a culture centered on the Holocaust.
However, in recent weeks, Germany's stance has started to shift. Germany has issued its strongest warning to Israel over the ongoing military assault in Gaza, marking a significant departure from its traditional support for Israel.
What's Happening Now?
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced that Berlin is considering unspecified steps against Israel, including the potential suspension of weapon supplies, over concerns that German weapons could be used in ways that violate humanitarian law, as reported by the Indian Express.
Wadephul emphasized that Germany's support for Israel must not be "abused" in the conflict in Gaza, describing the current humanitarian situation, marked by extensive airstrikes and food and medicine shortages, as "unbearable."
Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed this new tone, stating that Israel's extensive airstrikes in Gaza are "no longer comprehensible" or justified as a means to combat Hamas.
Speaking at a meeting in Finland, Merz said, "The massive military strikes by the Israelis in the Gaza Strip no longer reveal any logic to me. How they serve the goal of confronting terror… In this respect, I view this very, very critically." He added that it's time to openly state that the current situation can no longer be justified.
What's Driving This New Stance?
According to Times of Israel, this marks a significant shift from Germany's long-standing Staatsrason policy, which framed support for Israel as a core part of Germany's identity due to the historic responsibility stemming from the Holocaust.
This shift comes amid increased domestic pressure in Germany, including calls from the Social Democratic Party, part of the governing coalition. On Monday, May 26, 2025, several members of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the main coalition partner in Chancellor Merz's government, called for an arms embargo on Israel. Their demands are based on serious concerns about potential international humanitarian law violations and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Meanwhile, protests have erupted in Germany. On Tuesday, dozens of anti-war Israeli activists and German citizens gathered outside the German Foreign Ministry, demanding that the European Union suspend its agreements with Israel and that Germany halt all arms exports to the country.
The demonstrations also included non-Israeli supporters, some of whom held signs in Hebrew with messages such as "We must oppose genocide" and "No second Nakba."
Externally, the European Union is currently reviewing its policy toward Israel, with other Western countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Canada threatening "tangible action" against Israel's attacks on Gaza in a joint statement in early May.
German officials have emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and progress toward a two-state solution. They insist that humanitarian aid to Gaza must increase dramatically.
How Is Israel Responding?
Israeli Ambassador to Berlin, Ron Prosor, acknowledged Germany's concerns but did not commit to specific actions, stating, "When Friedrich Merz raises this criticism of Israel, we listen very carefully because he is a friend."
Israel is currently engaged in an intensive diplomatic campaign aimed at preventing the German government, particularly Chancellor Friedrich Merz's office and the German Foreign Ministry, from even considering, let alone implementing, a ban on arms exports to Israel. This information was reported by the Israeli public broadcasting agency, Kan 11, on Tuesday night, cited by Middle East Monitor.
According to Kan 11, Israeli representatives are actively trying to convince their German counterparts by emphasizing that the current food distribution plans in Gaza represent a "dramatic and fundamental change" from previous efforts. Their goal is to prevent explicit or implicit suggestions to halt military shipments during the anticipated phone conversation between Chancellor Merz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
To bolster their position, Israeli officials have provided updated documentation on food distribution in Gaza. They are trying to influence the narrative in the German media, encouraging coverage that frames this situation as a "turning point" or "game-changer."
This comes amid ongoing famine, continued conflict, and Israel's tight control over humanitarian aid delivery, which, according to many international observers, contradicts existing humanitarian standards.
The ongoing conflict, which began after Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in at least 1,200 deaths and 250 people taken hostage, has caused significant civilian suffering and widespread displacement in Gaza.
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