Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is reportedly planning a visit to Israel in December, marking a significant and potentially fraught moment in the evolving relationship between the two nations. According to sources cited by “The Times of Israel”, the visit, tentatively scheduled for December 6th and 7th, will include meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.
Merz’s planned trip, his first official visit as Chancellor since assuming office in May, places him as the first leader of a major European country to visit Israel in over a year. This timing underscores the delicate nature of the current political landscape, shadowed by growing concerns over Germany’s unwavering support for Israel amidst the devastating consequences of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Germany’s historical and, until recently, largely unquestioned military backing for Israel has faced rising pressure from within the German public and among some political factions. The recent surge in Palestinian casualties and the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza have fueled calls for a more critical reassessment of Germany’s policy.
The suspension of certain arms deliveries to Israel in August, a decision triggered by Israel’s planned ground offensive into Gaza City, signaled a shift, albeit a limited one, in Germany’s traditionally supportive stance. Germany’s position as the second-largest arms exporter to Israel, trailing only the United States and its paramount role as Israel’s advocate within the European Union, carries significant geopolitical weight.
The upcoming decision to lift the suspension on some weapons sales, announced for Monday, further complicates the situation. While presented as a response to the recent, albeit fragile, ceasefire agreement for Gaza, it risks appearing tone-deaf to critics who argue that continued arms exports contribute to the ongoing instability and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. The precarious nature of the ceasefire itself raises questions about the long-term viability of this policy shift and the potential for renewed escalation. Merz’s visit, therefore, occurs at a pivotal juncture, poised to be scrutinized as a reflection of Germany’s commitment to both its historical relationship with Israel and its responsibilities toward mitigating the suffering of the Palestinian people.