Title: Germany Reconsiders Unconditional Support for Israel Amid Gaza Conflict
Days after Hamas launched its Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, Germany’s chancellor, Olaf Scholz, was one of the first Western leaders to arrive in Tel Aviv. Standing beside the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, he declared that Germany had “only one place — and it is alongside Israel.”
However, as Israel’s deadly offensive in Gaza continues and the death toll rises, Germany’s unwavering support for Israel is being called into question. The chancellor’s recent statements in Tel Aviv, questioning the high costs of the conflict, mark a shift in Germany’s stance.
With international outrage mounting and the prospect of famine in Gaza looming, German officials are beginning to reevaluate their country’s support for Israel. The notion of Staatsräson, or national reason for existence, as a way of atoning for the Holocaust, is now being scrutinized.
Berlin’s changing tone is partly in response to Israel’s insistence on entering Rafah and pursuing Hamas operatives, as well as the evolving position of its ally, the United States. Germany’s support for Israel has also raised concerns about its credibility on human rights issues, particularly in the eyes of developing countries in the Global South.
Public opinion in Germany is shifting, with polls showing a growing number of Germans questioning the justifiability of Israel’s military actions. The government is facing pressure to take concrete actions, such as restoring funding to the main U.N. agency aiding Palestinians, UNRWA.
While Germany’s toughened stance may not indicate a broader turn against Israel, symbolic gestures and changes in tone are expected. The government’s decision to resume funding for UNRWA in areas outside Gaza is seen as a step in the right direction, but more actions may be needed to restore Germany’s credibility on the international stage.
As the conflict in Gaza continues to unfold, Germany finds itself at a crossroads, balancing its historical ties to Israel with its obligations to uphold international humanitarian law and human rights. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how Germany navigates its relationship with Israel amidst the ongoing crisis.
