Germany Stands Firm: Military Support to Israel Continues Despite Criticism

Million-Euro Exports Continue

Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) stated in the Bundestag on Wednesday that support for Israel not only continues but also includes military deliveries.

In the first quarter of this year, the government approved arms exports to Israel worth 28 million euros. In comparison, Berlin approved deliveries worth over 326 million euros in 2023, though this figure was halved the following year, according to Politico.

Wadephul highlighted in his speech that the relationship with Israel is a fundamental element of Germany’s foreign policy. On the eve of the Israeli Foreign Minister’s visit to Berlin, he emphasized that “friends can be criticized, but not punished.”

A Nation Divided

The statements come in the wake of increasing internal division, especially among the parties in the ruling coalition. The Social Democrats (SPD) have expressed concerns that continued arms support to Israel, in light of the Gaza conflict, might put Germany in a legal jeopardy.

The party’s general secretary, Tim Kluessendorf, stated: “In our view, you can no longer talk about proportionality in Gaza.”

The SPD leadership has therefore suggested limiting military support but has not recommended a full stop. Opposing this, CDU and CSU stand firm on the existing commitment. CSU’s Alexander Hoffmann stated to Der Spiegel that “a reduction would contradict our raison d’état – we cannot accept that.”

Public Opinion and Historical Responsibility

But dissent is also growing outside the parliamentary walls. A survey by ARD shows that 73 percent of Germans want stricter controls on arms exports to Israel, and 30 percent go so far as to demand a complete stop.

According to another study by ZDF, 80 percent believe that Israel’s warfare in Gaza is no longer justified, given the number of civilian casualties.

Still, the government stands firm. Previously concluded bilateral agreements obligate Germany to deliver, and in the German public, the issue is marked by the country’s historical guilt. In many circles, any pressure to restrict support is perceived as potentially anti-Semitic tendencies.

Weapons and Values

The German commitment includes deliveries of rockets, components for weapons systems, and Dolphin-class submarines – one-third of which is directly financed by the state. Both CDU/CSU and SPD emphasize that Israel’s security is and remains an integral part of German state understanding.

Despite internal tensions and a public in opposition, it seems that Germany – at least for now – holds its line. A choice that will continue to put the country in a precarious position between historical responsibility, international law, and public opinion.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.