As Israel continues its latest military offensive in the Gaza Strip, prompting widespread concern over a deteriorating humanitarian situation, German officials are beginning to signal a potential shift in the country’s stance.
In light of an 11-week blockade that has left many Gazans at risk of starvation, according to humanitarian organizations, Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz emphasized the delicate balance Germany must strike in its support for Israel.
“Germany must exercise more restraint than any other country when providing public advice to Israel,” Merz stated. “However, when boundaries are crossed and international humanitarian law is clearly being violated, the German chancellor cannot stay silent.”
Merz indicated he plans to raise concerns over Israel’s renewed offensive during an upcoming conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “We are deeply committed to standing by Israel,” he said, “but even Israel’s closest allies have limits to what they can accept.”
The comments come amid growing debate within Germany over its continued military support for Israel. Members of the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), the junior partner in the governing coalition, are increasingly voicing opposition to the export of German weapons to Israel.
“German arms must not contribute to humanitarian disasters or violations of international law,” said Adis Ahmetovic, the SPD’s foreign policy spokesperson, in an interview with Germany’s Stern magazine.
Felix Klein, Germany’s antisemitism commissioner, further fueled the conversation by calling for a “more honest” national dialogue about the country’s Staatsräson — the concept that ensuring Israel’s security is a core part of Germany’s national identity and responsibility in the wake of the Holocaust.
In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Klein affirmed the importance of protecting Israel and global Jewish communities, but added: “That does not justify everything. Starving Palestinians and deliberately worsening a humanitarian crisis is not about safeguarding Israel’s existence. And it should not be accepted as part of Germany’s reason of state either.”
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