Germany threatens steps against Israel amid Gaza conflict, marking shift in foreign policy

In a significant departure from its long-standing support for Israel, Germany’s government, under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has issued its strongest criticism yet of Israel’s actions in Gaza, hinting at unspecified measures and a potential halt to weapons exports that could violate humanitarian law.

This shift, articulated by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Merz on Tuesday, reflects a broader evolution in German foreign policy under the new government, which has adopted a more assertive defence posture and a commitment to supplying Ukraine with critical weaponry.

Speaking to broadcaster WDR, Wadephul emphasized that Germany’s historic support for Israel, rooted in the country’s “Staatsräson” (special responsibility) due to the Nazi Holocaust, must not be “instrumentalised” to justify the current Gaza conflict. He described the humanitarian situation in Gaza – marked by massive airstrikes, food shortages, and worsening hunger – as “unbearable.”

Wadephul warned, “We are now at a point where we have to think very carefully about what further steps to take,” without elaborating on specific actions. He added that Germany would not supply weapons that risk further harm, noting no new arms orders for Israel are currently under consideration.

Merz, speaking at a press conference in Turku, Finland, echoed these concerns, stating that Israel’s airstrikes in Gaza are “no longer comprehensible” and lack justification in the fight against Hamas.

Merz’s remarks are particularly striking given his campaign promise in February 2025 to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in defiance of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant. Merz’s office, adorned with a picture of Zikim beach- where Hamas fighters landed during their 7 October 2023, attack that killed 1,200 people – underscores his historically strong support for Israel.

This rhetorical shift marks a notable pivot in German foreign policy under Merz’s leadership, which has prioritised a more robust defence strategy, including increased military support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. The government’s willingness to reassess arms exports to Israel aligns with this broader assertiveness, signalling a readiness to balance historical obligations with humanitarian concerns.

The move also reflects growing domestic pressure, particularly from the junior coalition partner, the Social Democrats, who have called for halting arms exports to avoid complicity in potential war crimes.

Germany’s change in tone comes as the European Union reviews its Israel policy, with Britain, France, and Canada also signaling “concrete actions” over Gaza. Public opinion in Germany is shifting as well, with a Civey survey published in Tagesspiegel showing 51% of Germans opposing weapons exports to Israel. A May 2025 Bertelsmann Foundation survey found only 36% of Germans view Israel positively, down from 46% in 2021, and just 25% recognize a special responsibility toward Israel, compared to 64% of Israelis who believe Germany has such an obligation.

The Gaza conflict, which has seen dozens killed in recent airstrikes and a U.N.-backed monitor reporting worsening hunger for over 2 million people, has strained Germany’s traditional stance.

Efforts to revive a ceasefire, which collapsed in March, continue in Doha, though progress remains limited. Israel’s ambassador to Berlin, Ron Prosor, acknowledged Germany’s concerns, calling Merz a “friend” but offering no commitments.

Merz is set to speak with Netanyahu this week, while arms export decisions remain under the purview of a confidential security council led by the chancellor. The foreign ministry did not immediately clarify whether halting weapons shipments is imminent. This evolving stance underscores a broader recalibration of German foreign policy, balancing its historical commitment to Israel with a more assertive defence posture and responsiveness to international humanitarian concerns.

With Reuters, edited by g.g.

Caption: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (C) attends the inauguration of the German 45th Armoured Brigade ‘Lithuania’, at the Cathedral Square in Vilnius, Lithuania, 22 May 2025. [EPA-EFE/TOMS KALNINS]