Policy papers and recommendations
/ Israel and Germany
Over the past eight decades, relations between Israel and Germany have undergone a profound transformation – evolving from post-war estrangement into a deeply rooted strategic partnership. This relationship, shaped in the shadow of the Holocaust, has become a central pillar of Israel’s broader engagement with Europe and, in many respects, complements its longstanding strategic alliance with the United States.
Currently, however, the bilateral partnership stands at a critical juncture. Germany’s national security outlook has been fundamentally reshaped by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, while Israel’s strategic environment and diplomatic standing have been dramatically weakened by the October 7 Hamas attack and the subsequent multi-front war in Gaza and then Iran. These events have introduced new tensions and caused recalibrations in the bilateral relationship, raising questions about its future trajectory and the connection to the past.
This was apparent when Germany’s recent candidature to serve on the UN’s Security Council which would have been clearly in Israel’s interest, failed for the first time to receive sufficient votes. Foreign Minister Wadephul admitted that support for Israel “may have cost us [Germany] votes but Germany must always assume a special responsibility for Israel with regard to the Middle East conflict. We will continue to live up to our historical responsibility even if at the time we criticize specific policies of the current government”. The deeper implications of this statement in how support for Israel could harm Germany’s interests should not be ignored.
