A New Chapter in German-Israeli Relations
Tel Aviv witnessed a significant moment as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Israel for his first visit since assuming office. This visit aims to reinvigorate the traditionally strong relationship between Germany and Israel, which has faced challenges during the Gaza war. Merz’s arrival was met with warm welcomes, reflecting the importance of this diplomatic engagement.
After a brief stop in Jordan, Merz landed at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport just before 8pm local time. He was greeted by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who praised him as “a friend of Israel” and emphasized Germany’s role as an important partner. The meeting highlighted the mutual respect and cooperation that underpin their bilateral ties.
Focus on Peace and Humanitarian Aid
Merz is scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem later Saturday. Prior to this, he engaged in discussions with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, focusing on the fragile peace process in Israel and the Palestinian territories. During these talks, Merz stressed the need for increased humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and urged Hamas fighters to lay down their weapons. He reiterated Germany’s commitment to a negotiated two-state solution, emphasizing that there should be no place for terrorism and antisemitism in the shared future.
King Abdullah II also expressed concerns about the ongoing Israeli escalations in the West Bank, which has been occupied since 1967. The king called for the implementation of all stages of the agreement to end the war and deliver humanitarian aid to all areas of the Strip.
Historical Context and Tensions
Given the dark legacy of Nazi Germany’s industrial-scale murder of Jews, German leaders have long viewed unwavering support for Israel as a cornerstone of their foreign policy. In a speech in September celebrating the reopening of Munich’s synagogue, Merz visibly struggled to hold back tears, his voice breaking. However, Israeli-German relations were strained during the Gaza war initiated by the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
Merz, who took power in May, has repeatedly criticized Israel’s military campaign, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians. In August, he moved to restrict sales of weapons for use in Gaza. Since a fragile US-backed ceasefire and hostage deal ended full-scale fighting, Germany has lifted those export restrictions. Despite the ceasefire, more than 350 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to local health authorities, as well as three Israeli soldiers.
Diplomatic Efforts and Criticisms
Before leaving Berlin on Saturday, Merz spoke with Palestinian Authority (PA) president Mahmud Abbas. A spokesman said Merz underscored German support for a two-state solution but urged Abbas to push through “urgently necessary reforms” of the PA to play a “constructive role” in the postwar order.
Israel expects a “signal of continued support” from Merz, according to Michael Rimmel, head of the Jerusalem office of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, affiliated with Merz’s centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU). Rimmel noted that while bilateral relations have been strained over the past two years, they remain “better than many people think.” However, he pointed out that Berlin has limited influence on Netanyahu’s government, which continues with West Bank settlements despite protests from Berlin and elsewhere.
Gil Shohat, head of the Tel Aviv office of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, sharply criticized Merz for the trip. Shohat argued that Merz is effectively offering political support to Netanyahu and Israel’s hard-right government. He described Netanyahu as a wanted war criminal and criticized the visit as a “fatal sign of normalisation.”
Military and Diplomatic Relations
Although Merz’s public criticism of Israel was unusual for a German leader, it was measured by international standards. Merz recently offered Israel full-throated support as European broadcasters weighed whether to exclude the country from the annual Eurovision Song Contest, calling such a possibility “scandalous.” The decision to include Israel in the upcoming Eurovision event was warmly welcomed in Berlin.
Despite the close ties, German officials have stated there are currently no plans to invite Netanyahu — who faces an international arrest warrant for war crimes in Gaza from the International Criminal Court (ICC) — to Berlin. Merz this year vowed to invite the Israeli leader and told him he would not be arrested.
Key Military Ties
Any tensions have not disrupted key military ties. Germany last week put into operation the first phase of the Israeli-made Arrow missile defense shield. The US$4.5 billion deal was reportedly the largest arms export agreement in Israeli history, and Berlin has also turned to Israeli firms for help in drone defense. These developments highlight the enduring strategic partnership between the two nations, even amid political differences.