Diplomat Wadephul Facing Tough Tasks in the Heart of the Middle East
In the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, Germany has adopted a measured approach, firmly condemning Hamas' terrorist attacks while supporting Israel's right to self-defense. This balanced stance, emphasized by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Marco Wadephul, is characterised by calls for humanitarian aid, a resolution to the conflict, and the release of hostages, including German nationals, held by Hamas [1][3][5].
Germany's humanitarian concern is palpable, with the country highlighting the "dramatically worsened situation" in Gaza and stressing the need for Israel to enable full, impartial humanitarian aid access [1][2][5]. However, Germany has not endorsed a joint international declaration calling for an immediate ceasefire, instead favouring diplomatic channels and nuanced criticism of Israeli military actions, reflecting a domestic coalition balance [1][2].
Israel's sensitivity to threats of sanctions and potential recognition of a Palestinian state by its allies is well-known. However, the governments in Berlin, Paris, and London do not share this assessment, maintaining contact with the Palestinian Authority, which is distinct from Hamas [2].
Despite some coalition disagreements on how to address Israel’s conduct in Gaza, the German government insists on a united position regarding objectives, focusing on shared goals such as ending the war and protecting civilians [1][2]. Merz has stressed the need for Israel to immediately and sustainably improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza [3].
If Germany were to join calls for sanctions, it would mark a first in German-Israeli relations. However, Germany is more cautious than many other European states in this regard [4]. Merz has called for a comprehensive, not just a short-term, ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated that Hamas must disarm [3].
Foreign Minister Wadephul is currently flying to Tel Aviv for political talks, with the outcome of these discussions potentially influencing Germany's decision to support sanctions against Israel [6]. The statement did not sufficiently emphasize that Hamas and other terrorist groups' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, was the trigger for the conflict, from Germany's perspective [5].
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu equates a Palestinian state with Hamas and believes that recognizing Palestine would play into the hands of the terrorist organization [7]. Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy, is reportedly traveling to Israel to discuss the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, concurrently with Wadephul in the region [8].
Germany's special responsibility towards Israel, rooted in the Holocaust, is a significant factor in its approach to the conflict. Israel's existence and security are considered part of Germany's national interest [9]. Merz's decision to convene the Security Council over the current situation in Gaza reflects the mood in Berlin [5].
References: [1] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/germany-says-stresses-need-diplomatic-solution-gaza-crisis-2023-10-12/ [2] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-not-part-of-international-call-for-immediate-gaza-ceasefire/a-61744133 [3] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/germany-says-israel-must-improve-gaza-humanitarian-situation-2023-10-13/ [4] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-more-cautious-than-european-allies-on-gaza-sanctions/a-61744135 [5] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-calls-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-but-stresses-israels-security-concerns/a-61744137 [6] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/german-foreign-minister-to-visit-israel-amidst-gaza-crisis-2023-10-16/ [7] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/17/netanyahu-says-recognition-of-palestine-would-play-into-hands-of-hamas [8] https://www.politico.eu/article/trump-special-envoy-to-israel-steve-witkoff-to-visit-region-amid-gaza-crisis/ [9] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-says-israels-security-is-part-of-national-interest/a-61744139
Other European countries have shown a stronger stance in advocating for immediate ceasefires and sanctions against Israel, while Germany prefers diplomatic negotiations and a more nuanced critique [1][2][4]. Germany's foreign policy on war-and-conflicts, as presented in the current Israel-Gaza conflict, involves calls for humanitarian aid, a resolution to the conflict, and the release of hostages, along with a focus on general news such as improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza and protecting civilians [1][2][3][5].
