A growing internal debate is emerging within the German government regarding its stance on the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. Following criticism from within the Social Democratic Party (SPD), a prominent voice is now calling for a reassessment of Berlin’s policy and its public expressions of solidarity with international partners.
Adis Ahmetović, the SPD’s spokesperson for foreign policy, has urged the German government to formally endorse a declaration recently signed by numerous countries advocating for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza. He stated that acknowledging past missteps and correcting them through subsequent endorsement would be a necessary step. Ahmetović further emphasized the importance of intensified consultations with coalition partners before future decisions, particularly given recently revealed discrepancies in internal assessments within the government.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), defended the government’s initial non-participation in the declaration on Tuesday, asserting that the German government is “fully united” in its policy toward Israel and the Gaza Strip. He denied any substantive or procedural disagreements. He stated that the call for Israel to halt its bombardments of Gaza and facilitate humanitarian aid represents a shared policy among the governing coalition.
However, Ahmetović countered this assertion, welcoming the Chancellor’s pronouncements of unity but highlighting a disconnect between stated policy and concrete action. He questioned why the government has refrained from joining a declaration supported by numerous close allies, which explicitly calls for an end to the conflict. He described this omission as “a mistake” that persists.
According to reports from European diplomatic circles, considerable irritation has been voiced regarding Germany’s position. There is concern that Berlin’s stance risks isolating the country on this critical issue and that the scale of the miscalculation was underestimated.
Ahmetović reaffirmed his party’s commitment to Germany’s core national interests, emphasizing the country’s historical responsibility and strong memory culture. He cited Article 39 of the German Basic Law, which mandates adherence to international law, arguing that Germany is obligated to formally address situations in which, for example, civilians are forcibly displaced or their livelihoods are destroyed in Gaza.
The SPD politician also reiterated his call for a cessation of arms exports to Israel, particularly those that are being used in a manner potentially violating international law. He acknowledged Germany’s distinctive responsibility for the security of Israel and the protection of the Jewish state, but underscored that legally mandated regulations govern arms exports, including requirements for the intended use of German weaponry. He insisted that the onus is on those seeking to utilize German arms to demonstrate and justify their intended purpose.