Susanne Mundschenk
Unherd, May 28, 2025
“Benjamin Netanyahu’s government may see Europe’s repositioning as a confirmation that Israel is on its own, and so may continue the military operation in Gaza regardless.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has this week changed his tone and message on Israel and its war in Gaza. France and the UK threatened action last week, not that their words have saved any lives yet. There are still daily reports of children dying because of both bombing and starvation, while Israel has announced a military campaign aiming to take over two-thirds of Gaza and force its inhabitants into small zones.
Israel’s security is considered part of Germany’s Staatsräson. This is an inalienable policy goal for the country, but that does not mean that all behaviour is justified. The German government is now warning that Israel is crossing a red line.
On Monday Merz questioned Israel’s goal in Gaza, saying the current level of attacks can no longer be justified by the country’s fight against Hamas. He said that Germany has a clear position: no expulsions of Palestinians from Gaza, and an end to the starvation. Gaza and the West Bank belong to the Palestinians, on the path to a two-state solution, he added.
Later that day, Merz’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadepuhl condemned the offensive. But he also made it clear that Germany will continue to deliver arms and stand by the EU association agreement with Israel. As friends, we must be able to criticise when Israel’s operation is becoming intolerable, he said. Wadepuhl also repeated Merz’s insistence that there must be no expulsion or starvation of inhabitants.…SOURCE