Israel-Gaza Crisis: A Damaged Friendship 💔🌍

World News

Merkz’s Complex First Visit: Balancing Friendship with Criticism
Amidst shifting dynamics in the German-Israeli relationship, Chancellor Friedrich Merz embarks on his first visit to Israel in December 2025, a trip already fraught with challenges stemming from Berlin’s criticisms of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Berlin’s Shifting Stance on Gaza
Just weeks after assuming office, Chancellor Merz voiced concerns about violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, triggering immediate reactions from Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor, who emphasized the “friendship” of the German government.

Immediate U-Turn on Arms Exports
Within eleven weeks, amid escalating humanitarian concerns, Merz swiftly halted the supply of certain military equipment to Israel, citing the potential for “hundreds of thousands of civilian casualties,” a move sharply criticized by Prosor as “disarming Israel” and a “celebration for Hamas.”

Unstable Ceasefire and Continued Casualties
Despite the October 10th ceasefire, the situation remained volatile, with ongoing skirmishes and rocket attacks leading to over 300 deaths in Gaza, primarily among civilians, highlighting the fragility of the agreement.

A Commitment to Israel’s Security
Chancellor Merz’s visit underscores a longstanding “friendship” between Germany and Israel, a sentiment reinforced by his commitment to Israel's security and his direct engagement with Prime Minister Netanyahu, even as questions linger regarding Germany's obligations under international law, including its potential responsibility for arresting Netanyahu.

Holocaust Remembrance and Historical Context
The visit will include a significant stop at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial, reflecting on the tragedy of six million Jews murdered by Nazi Germany, a painful reminder of Germany's past and a key element in understanding the complex history of the relationship between the two nations, as evidenced by Chancellor Merkel's own use of the term “reason of state.”

Merkz’s ‘Reason of State’ Revisited
Chancellor Merz’s repeated reference to “reason of state” in discussions about Israel and the Middle East, echoing Merkel’s own use of the phrase during her historic 2008 visit, further underscores the deeply rooted complexities within the German-Israeli relationship, despite assurances of an enduring friendship.

International Obligations and Security Guarantees
To ensure a smooth departure for Netanyahu, Merz has committed to facilitating visits and guaranteeing that he will not assist in Netanyahu’s arrest, demonstrating a significant prioritization of maintaining the strong security relationship between the two nations.