Criticism from abroad over Israel's Gaza blueprints
In the heart of Berlin, a three-hour meeting took place between Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, and Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CSU). The meeting, described as "very trusting", did not explicitly discuss the ongoing arms dispute between Germany and Israel, but it did provide a platform for discussions on various aspects of the Germany-Israel relationship.
Markus Söder, the CSU leader, expressed his hope for the future of this relationship, viewing Germany and Israel as the closest partners. However, Germany, under Söder's leadership, maintains a reserved stance towards Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, following increasing criticisms from other countries regarding Israel's actions in the region.
The details of the arms dispute are not specified in the text, but it is known that Germany, under Scholz, announced a partial suspension of arms exports to Israel specifically for use in Gaza, signaling disapproval of Israel's intensified military actions there. This suspension, however, does not cover all military exports, as Germany continued to approve other arms exports like submarines, highlighting some ambiguity and criticism about the firmness of Germany’s stance.
Public opinion in Germany has become increasingly critical of Israel’s government, with favorable views dropping from 46% in 2021 to 36% in 2025, and a majority opposing arms exports to Israel. This erosion of support is viewed as potentially straining the traditionally strong bilateral relationship.
Politically, the German federal government remains committed to Israel's right to defend itself against attacks and promotes a negotiated two-state solution for lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. German officials emphasize Israel’s security alongside adherence to international law and humanitarian principles, and call for rebuilding Gaza and renewed peace negotiations.
Internationally, Germany aligns with the United Nations’ criticism of Israeli policies deemed violations of international law, such as the recent Israeli plan to approve new settlements in the West Bank, which both Germany and the UN see as undermining the possibility of a Palestinian state and violating international legal norms.
In the midst of this complex political landscape, Markus Söder has pledged to maintain Germany's commitment to Israel's security while navigating the delicate balance of adherence to international law and humanitarian considerations. The future of Germany-Israel relations and the Middle East peace process remain topics of ongoing debate.
[1] BBC News [2] Pew Research Center [3] Deutsche Welle [4] Deutsche Welle [5] United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
- The ongoing political discourse surrounding Germany-Israel relations involves discussions on general-news topics, such as the arms dispute between the two nations, the future of the bilateral relationship, and the Israeli government's actions in Palestine.
- Amidst increasing public criticism and the erosion of favorable views towards Israel's government in Germany, politicians like Markus Söder are navigating a delicate balance in maintaining Germany's commitment to Israel's security while adhering to international law and humanitarian principles.
