Rethinking Germany's Israel Support: A Shift Away from Unconditional Backing
The ongoing alliance between Germany and Israel is invariably subject to limitations. - Unwavering backing for Israel by Germany should never be unconditional: An analysis of Germany's political relation with Israel, emphasizing the importance of strategic oversight and clear stipulations in diplomatic ties.
Let's dive into a no-holds-barred discussion about the need for Germany to reconsider its support for Israel, steering clear of the traditional unconditional approach.
This week, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar pays a visit to Berlin - a visit that arrives at a critical juncture. By distancing themselves from the Netanyahu government's policies, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul are setting the stage for a much-needed reevaluation of Germany's Israeli policy. This reevaluation is essential to maintain a robust, multifaceted stance on Israel's security, a two-state solution, and the urgent battle against anti-Semitism.
The Limits of Germany's State Interest
In 2008, Angela Merkel coined the "state interest" formula during a speech before the Knesset, with Ehud Olmert serving as Israel's Prime Minister. As a proponent of the two-state solution, Olmert proposed an Israeli withdrawal from over 90% of the West Bank to President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority. The contrast between Olmert's vision and the Netanyahu government couldn't be more significant. In the West Bank, Netanyahu is pursuing an aggressive settlement construction agenda, eroding the Palestinians' livelihood.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz openly scoffs at the two-state solution endorsed by Germany. During a recent address in the occupied West Bank, he cast doubt on French President Macron's call for Palestinian state recognition, stating, "You will recognize a Palestinian state on paper - and we will build a Jewish-Israeli state on the ground. The paper will be thrown into the dustbin of history." In the aftermath of the Hamas massacres and hostage-takings in October 2023, Katz's predecessor Yoav Gallant ordered a "complete blockade" of Gaza, effectively cutting off electricity, food, and fuel supplies. Such actions are clear indications of war crimes.
Surprisingly, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has only critiqued Netanyahu's military conduct with minimal force. Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor has demanded unwavering solidarity whenever Germany hasn't aligned fully with Netanyahu. "Now the state interest is on trial - without any ifs and buts," Prosor announced following the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu and Gallant, criticizing the German government's "feeble statements."
Moving Beyond the State Interest Formula
Federal Chancellor Merz and Foreign Minister Wadephul have broken free from unconditional solidarity with the Netanyahu government. Merz condemned the Israeli military's actions, stating, "But if boundaries are crossed, where the law of nations for the peoples is [really] violated, then Germany, then the German Chancellor, must also say something." Wadephul was even clearer, expressing that the German government will not be "coerced into compulsory solidarity" and that Israel must not be "instrumentalized for the demand for support for the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip."
The abandonment of unconditional solidarity is not due to a desire to free themselves from the shackles of the past; instead, it stems from the need for a more sophisticated debate about Germany's interests in relation to Israel's security. For example, when it comes to arms deliveries, a balanced approach is essential. Germany seeks to benefit from Israeli innovation in areas like drone technology and missile defense. However, Germany has no interest in supplying Israeli with weapons that could be used in war crimes during the current Gaza campaign. Any decision on the restriction of arms deliveries should be made keeping this in mind.
Another topic for nuanced consideration is the two-state solution, which involves standing up for the existence of a peaceful Palestinian state if thought through. In the face of the Netanyahu government setting course for Palestinian expulsion rather than state foundation, is it productive for Germany to officially recognize a Palestinian state together with EU partners like France and Spain?
Even the debate on the urgent need to fight anti-Semitism in Germany requires careful consideration. The growing number of Jewish women and men feeling insecure due to the rise in anti-Semitism in Germany necessitates decisive action. At the same time, it is deplorable for the Bundestag and the federal government to enforce a broad definition (the so-called IHRA working definition) of anti-Semitism, which can easily label legitimate criticism of Israel as anti-Semitism. This approach undermines the legitimacy of the approach to real anti-Semitism.
A recent Bertelsmann Foundation study found that 40% of Germans under 40 favor reducing ties with Israel. This should serve as a wake-up call for our politics. To ensure the long-term foundation of German-Israeli relations, we must move beyond the state interest formula and engage in a more nuanced debate.
- State Interest
- Israel
- Foreign Policy
- Security Policy
- Two-State Solution
Insights:
- The new approach emphasizes Germany's historical responsibility and moral obligations, which were not as central in the 'state interest' formula.
- The emphasis on a two-state solution aligns with international consensus and efforts to achieve sustainable peace.
- The combination of security support with adherence to international humanitarian law reflects a more balanced stance.
In the revised approach to German foreign policy, a shift away from the 'state interest' formula is being advocated, emphasizing the country's historical responsibility and moral obligations towards Israel. This change is reflective of a more nuanced understanding of the complexities associated with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As policymakers navigate the challenges of security, employment policy, and policy-and-legislation, they must strike a balance between maintaining Germany's strategic interests and adhering to international humanitarian law in arms deliveries, the two-state solution, and the ongoing battle against anti-Semitism. The new approach to policy-making also acknowledges the need for a general-news-worthy discussion on politics that goes beyond the traditional, unconditional backing of Israel.
