Germany delivered its strongest criticism yet of Israel’s actions in Gaza on Tuesday, with senior officials warning of possible repercussions, including the suspension of arms exports that might breach international humanitarian law.
In a significant departure from its traditionally pro-Israel stance, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul condemned Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza, describing the situation as “unbearable” and calling for a review of Germany’s policy toward Israel.
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This marks a notable shift from Germany’s historical position based on “Staatsraison” — a principle of special responsibility towards Israel rooted in the Holocaust’s legacy.
In an interview with WDR broadcaster, Foreign Minister Wadephul emphasized that Germany’s support for Israel “must not be exploited,” referring to the extensive airstrikes and severe shortages of essential supplies like food and medicine in Gaza. He noted, “We have now reached a stage where we must carefully consider what steps to take next.”
Wadephul cautioned that although no new weapons shipments are currently planned, Germany will “certainly not provide weapons that contribute to further harm.”
Earlier, Chancellor Merz, speaking from Turku, Finland, expressed that Israel’s current military actions have become “incomprehensible,” appearing disconnected from their initial aim of fighting Hamas.
“The large-scale Israeli military strikes in Gaza no longer make sense to me regarding their stated goal of combating terrorism,” Merz said, marking his most direct criticism to date.
While he did not announce specific measures, Merz’s comments hint at a possible policy shift, with a planned conversation expected between him and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later this week.
This change in tone arises amid increasing domestic pressure within Germany. Members of the ruling Social Democratic Party (SPD) have called for an arms embargo against Israel, arguing that continued weapons sales could implicate Germany in potential war crimes.
Public opinion also seems to be shifting. A recent Civey poll reported by Tagesspiegel showed that 51% of Germans oppose arms exports to Israel. Another survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation revealed a decline in positive views of Israel, dropping from 46% in 2021 to 36% today.
The survey also highlighted differing perceptions of responsibility: only 25% of Germans feel their country has a special duty toward Israel, compared to 64% of Israelis who believe such an obligation exists.
Germany’s stance comes as the European Union reexamines its policy on Israel, with other Western nations like the UK, France, and Canada also warning of possible “concrete actions” due to the escalating Gaza crisis.
Meanwhile, a U.N.-supported monitor has warned of increasing hunger and potential famine affecting Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have stalled since a brief truce fell apart in March.
Israel’s ambassador to Berlin, Ron Prosor, acknowledged Germany’s shift but stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue. “When Friedrich Merz voices criticism of Israel, we listen carefully because he is a friend,” Prosor said in an interview with ZDF broadcaster.
This diplomatic tension is striking given Merz’s prior support for Netanyahu. After his electoral victory in February, Merz pledged to host the Israeli leader in Germany despite an outstanding International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu.
A photograph of Zikim beach—the location of Hamas’s seaborne attack on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 Israelis—still hangs in Merz’s office, reflecting his deep personal connection to the conflict.
Although Germany has not formally halted arms exports, the remarks by Merz and Wadephul signal that such a decision is under serious consideration, indicating a significant potential shift in Berlin’s foreign policy.
