Berlin: Germany has issued its strongest warning yet to Israel over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul both sharply criticizing Israeli military actions and suggesting Berlin may reconsider arms exports.
Speaking to German broadcaster WDR, Wadephul emphasized that Germany's historic support for Israel must not be misused, especially amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “Our unwavering stand against anti-Semitism and our commitment to Israel’s right to exist should not justify the current warfare in Gaza,” he said, referencing the dire conditions caused by heavy airstrikes and lack of basic necessities in the enclave.
Chancellor Merz, in remarks made during a visit to Finland, questioned the strategic value of continued Israeli airstrikes, saying they were now “incomprehensible” and no longer justified by the fight against Hamas. His comments represent a significant shift in tone for Germany, a nation that has long prioritized support for Israel as part of its Staatsräson—its post-Holocaust state doctrine of special responsibility.
Wadephul warned that Germany may soon need to reassess its policies and said the government would not approve arms exports that risked contributing to humanitarian harm. He noted that no new weapons deals were currently under discussion but left open the possibility of future restrictions. Decisions on arms transfers are handled by Germany’s national security council, chaired by Merz, and its deliberations are confidential.
The remarks come amid growing domestic and international pressure. Germany, which had aligned closely with the U.S. in defending Israel since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, now joins allies like France, the UK, and Canada in calling for potential “concrete actions” in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The shift also mirrors changing public sentiment within Germany. A new Civey poll for the Tagesspiegel showed that over half of Germans now oppose weapons deliveries to Israel. Meanwhile, a separate survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation found that only 36% of Germans view Israel positively—down 10 percentage points since 2021.
Despite the sharp criticism, Merz remains a declared ally of Israel. He is scheduled to speak with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later this week, even as the latter faces an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant. Israel’s ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, responded to the developments by acknowledging Germany’s concerns but offered no concrete assurances.
The German government’s more critical stance reflects both mounting domestic unease and growing international scrutiny of Israel's conduct in Gaza. As diplomatic efforts to revive a ceasefire continue—reportedly with talks underway in Doha—Berlin’s shift could mark a pivotal moment in Europe’s approach to the Middle East conflict.
