Berlin is subtly distancing itself from a long-held declaration intertwining German national interest with the security of Israel, prompting questions about a potential shift in policy and rhetoric. Following a recent visit to Israel, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has refrained from explicitly reaffirming the assertion that Israel’s security constitutes part of Germany’s “Staatsräson” – a concept denoting the national interest and guiding principles of a state.
When pressed by the German news agency dts on Monday, Deputy Government Spokesman Sebastian Hille offered a carefully worded response, redirecting attention to Scholz’s public statements made during the trip. The Chancellor emphasized Germany’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s existence and security, characterizing it as a “fundamental and immutable core” of the bilateral relationship. While reiterating commitment, the avoidance of the specific “Staatsräson” terminology has fueled speculation within political circles.
Notably, Christian Lindner, leader of the Free Democratic Party and current Finance Minister, also refrained from using the term during a recent parliamentary discussion, opting instead to emphasize the importance of maintaining a robust and cooperative relationship with Israel. This represents a departure from previous formulations strongly associated with former Chancellor Angela Merkel. In 2008, Merkel famously declared Israel’s security to be an integral part of German “Staatsräson” a declaration that subsequently became a cornerstone of German-Israeli relations and was repeated numerous times in subsequent years.
Critics argue the retreat from the “Staatsräson” terminology, particularly following Scholz’s meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, signals a possible attempt to recalibrate Germany’s approach to the increasingly complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. The shift could be interpreted as an effort to grant Germany greater flexibility in navigating potentially contentious issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as distancing from policies of the current Israeli government.
The nuanced change in language, particularly the preference for the term “fundamental core” instead of “Staatsräson” coincides with increasing domestic and international pressure to critically assess Germany’s unconditional support for Israel. Whether this marks a definitive policy shift or merely a tactical adjustment in diplomatic phrasing remains to be seen, but it undeniably introduces a new layer of complexity to Germany’s long-standing commitment to Israel’s security.