Time to Shift Stances: Germany's Israel Policy Needs a Modern Update
Unwavering Germany backing for Israel isn't always justified without certain demands met. - Unwavering German backing for Israel should never be without limitations
Here we are, welcoming Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to Berlin, with tempers running high. Following Chancellor Olaf Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul's stance against the Netanyahu administration's policies last week, a new era for the German Israel debate is emerging. It's about switching from Merkel's National Interest formula, used to justify unconditional support for corrupt governments, to a complex, informed, and humane approach.
Merkel's National Interest in the Shadows
In 2008, Angela Merkel coined the National Interest formula in a speech before the Knesset, with Ehud Olmert as Israel's prime minister. Then, Israel was open to a two-state solution, proposing an Israeli withdrawal from over 90% of the West Bank. Today, the contrast couldn't be more dramatic. Netanyahu's government is destroying Palestinian livelihoods, constructing settlements aggressively, and pursuing policies condemned by human rights organizations.
The Israeli-Palestinian Documentary: A Chilling Tale
The Israeli-Palestinian documentary "No Other Land" is a chilling testament to the brutality of Israel's actions. It won an award at the Berlin Film Festival and an Oscar, shedding light on the harsh realities Palestinians face.
Plans for a Jewish-Israeli State: A Warning Sign From Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz
Speaking to French President Macron, who had described the recognition of a Palestinian state as a moral and political necessity last week, Israel Katz, the Defense Minister, stated, "You will recognize a Palestinian state on paper – and we will build a Jewish-Israeli state on the ground. The paper will end up in the dustbin of history."
The Netanyahu Regime: A Stain on German Support
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has criticized Netanyahu's war conduct only in diluted doses. Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor demanded unconditional solidarity, with his demand for support framed as a trial of the National Interest reason.
"Without Reservation": To better understand Prosor's call for unconditional support, consider Olmert's words: "What we are doing in Gaza now is a war of destruction: random, limitless, cruel, and criminal killing of civilians."
The Call for a Realistic and Differentiated Israel Policy
Chancellor Merz laid clear words towards the Netanyahu regime last week: "If borders are crossed, and humanitarian international law is violated, then Germany, then the German Chancellor, must also speak up." While this statement may come as a surprise to some, it reflects a new era of nuanced deliberation on German interests concerning Israel.
A Nuanced Israel Policy: Essential for the Future
A differentiated debate on German interests related to Israel's security is required. This includes considering the humanitarian impacts of arms deliveries, a balanced stance on promoting peace through the two-state solution, and careful consideration of combating anti-Semitism while avoiding suppressing legitimate criticisms of Israel.
According to a recent study by the Bertelsmann Foundation, 40% of Germans under 40 enthusiastically call for a reduction in relations with Israel. This serves as a wake-up call for politics, as only through a thoughtful and open debate can we reinforce the basis of German-Israeli relations for the future.
- Israel
- State Interest
- Gideon Saar
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Additional Insights:
- Germany is reassessing its support for Israel, focusing on humanitarian concerns and a nuanced approach.
- This revised stance was recently encouraged by Chancellor Merz and Foreign Minister Wadephul's strong statements against the Netanyahu administration.
- Despite some criticisms, Germany will continue to support Israel, taking a balanced approach that prioritizes human rights and international law.
- The debate over Israel policy includes matters like arms deliveries, the two-state solution, and anti-Semitism, requiring thoughtful consideration and differentiation.
- By engaging in a nuanced debate, Germany aims to protect the long-term foundation of its alliance with Israel.
- The EU, including Germany, has expressed apprehension about suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, suggesting a determination to maintain strong diplomatic ties.
The ongoing debate in Germany is shifting towards a more nuanced Israel policy, centering around community policy, employment policy, policy-and-legislation, politics, general-news, and state interest. This new era is marked by a focus on humanitarian concerns, a balanced stance on promoting peace through the two-state solution, and careful consideration of combating anti-Semitism while avoiding suppressing legitimate criticisms of Israel. Furthermore, the call for a differentiated debate is essential for the future, as it will help reinforce the basis of German-Israeli relations while navigating the complexities of foreign policy and security policy.
