Pressure is mounting within Germany’s political landscape regarding the government’s approach to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) is increasingly advocating for Germany to align itself with a joint statement signed by 28 nations calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a reconsideration of humanitarian aid deliveries.
SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf, in an interview with “Welt” television, articulated the party’s rationale, stating, “For us, the core principle is upholding international law. And in our view, the current military actions are overstepping that boundary”. He emphasized the party’s long-standing criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, particularly the impact on civilian populations, arguing that previous critiques have yielded insufficient results. “Therefore, when countries like France or Great Britain sign such a declaration, you have to ask yourself why Germany hasn’t signed. Because we must all be driven by the desire to end this suffering. And that’s why I would welcome it if we also supported such international initiatives.
Klüssendorf deflected a suggestion that the responsibility for foreign policy rests solely with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the party of Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. He asserted, “We don’t base our positions on the seating arrangement of the cabinet room. We have a position on this and we are pointing it out. This is a debate we need to have.
While emphasizing the SPD’s continued support for the State of Israel and acknowledging Hamas’s role in the escalation of the conflict, Klüssendorf ruled out a general arms embargo against Israel. He underscored the importance of maintaining Israel’s defensive capabilities, while adding a firm stance against German weapons being used within Gaza. “It’s absolutely correct that we also contribute to the defense capability of Israel. And that’s what we’ve done for many, many years.
Growing unease with the government’s Israel policy is also surfacing within the German Foreign Ministry. According to reports in “Der Spiegel” approximately 130 diplomats have formed a group, operating under the motto “loyal nonconform” to advocate for a more assertive stance against the Israeli government. The group, comprised primarily of diplomats aged 30-40, is engaging in regular meetings and utilizing communication channels to share dissenting views.
A Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed the existence of this group, noting that the two State Secretaries, Géza von Geyr and Bernhard Kotsch, engaged in an informal exchange of ideas with the group shortly after they took office. A meeting with Foreign Minister Wadephul is reportedly planned. During a recent staff meeting, a representative of the group presented their position to Minister Wadephul, receiving applause from colleagues.
The group proposes establishing a “dissent channel” within the ministry – a mechanism for diplomats to voice criticisms of government policy without fear of reprisal. Such channels exist in other foreign ministries, including the US State Department.