Germany’s unwavering support for Israel has come into question as international outrage over Israel’s offensive in Gaza grows, with Gazan health authorities reporting a death toll exceeding 32,000. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who previously declared Germany’s place alongside Israel, has begun to question whether the high costs of the conflict are justified. This change in tone is partly a response to Israel’s insistence on entering Rafah and the United States’ increasing displeasure with Israel’s actions, as reflected in their recent abstention in a U.N. Security Council vote on a cease-fire resolution.
Germany’s position on the conflict has shifted rapidly in recent weeks, from intervening in defense of Israel against charges of genocide to resisting answering questions about Israel’s violation of international humanitarian law. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has announced plans to send a delegation to Israel to remind all parties of their duty to abide by international humanitarian law, describing the situation in Gaza as “hell” and opposing a major offensive on Rafah. Israel’s foreign minister has expressed disappointment in Germany’s criticism, urging continued support for Israel against Hamas.
The evolving German stance on the conflict has raised concerns about the country’s credibility on human rights, particularly in the Global South. German public opinion has shifted as well, with recent polls showing that nearly 70 percent of Germans surveyed view Israel’s military actions as unjustifiable. While Germany remains committed to supporting Israel as part of its national identity, tough questions from voters and the opposition highlight growing concerns about the country’s stance on the conflict.
Despite the toughened rhetoric, experts believe that Germany is unlikely to take significant action beyond symbolic gestures unless the United States also takes a tougher stance. The government has indicated that it will consider arms deliveries to Israel on a case-by-case basis, and has also suspended funding to the main U.N. agency aiding Palestinians, UNRWA, in response to allegations of employee involvement in the conflict. However, Germany has recently announced that it will resume funding for UNRWA in areas outside of Gaza, signaling a slight shift in its position.
German officials had initially sought the removal of the head of UNRWA as a condition for restoring funding, but have since softened their stance and are likely to release funding for Gaza operations by May. Foreign policy experts see this as a move towards damage control for Germany’s credibility, which has been called into question due to its contradictory foreign policy stance on the conflict. The situation remains complex, with Germany balancing its historical commitment to Israel with growing international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the need to maintain relations with other countries for its own interests.
