The concept of “Staatsräson” or national reason of state, has drawn criticism within Germany’s ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU), with party leader Friedrich Merz raising concerns about its application in the context of Germany’s relationship with Israel. In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, Merz expressed unease with the term, stating he has “always struggled with it because it has never been fully elaborated in all its consequences.
While maintaining his party’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security, Merz’s remarks represent a nuanced shift from previous pronouncements. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel famously declared Germany’s “special historical responsibility” for Israel’s security as part of the nation’s Staatsräson in 2008, a statement that has since become a cornerstone of German foreign policy. Merz’s less definitive phrasing signals a potential reevaluation of this long-held doctrine, prompting speculation about a more circumspect approach to Germany’s position in the volatile Middle East.
Merz underscored that his views on Israel’s security remain unchanged, emphasizing the “special core” of the relationship and the continuing importance of Israeli safety within German foreign policy. He stressed that each successive German government must “reassess, in light of the situation in the Middle East, how best to fulfill this responsibility for Israel’s security.
Germany, according to Merz, occupies a unique position in Europe, maintaining strong working relationships with both the Israeli government and various Arab states. Critically, he clarified that this ability to navigate both spheres does not equate to neutrality. “It is always clear that we are not a neutral mediator, but stand firmly on the side of Israel”. This declaration, while reaffirming Germany’s allegiance, subtly distances the party from an explicitly unconditional stance, hinting at a desire to balance loyalty with a broader diplomatic strategy. Analysts suggest that Merz’s remarks may reflect a growing internal debate within the CDU regarding the necessary parameters and limitations of Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.