German-Israeli relations face significant strain as Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered unprecedented criticism of Israel's Gaza operations Tuesday, characterizing them as fundamentally "illogical" while refusing to rule out halting weapons deliveries to Jerusalem.
The escalating political backlash against Israel has now reached Germany – traditionally Israel's strongest European ally – with Merz positioning his government against the war's continuation. Speaking at a Finland press conference Tuesday, the chancellor launched his most scathing assessment yet of Israeli military strategy.
"The massive military strikes by the Israelis in the Gaza Strip no longer reveal any logic to me. How they serve the goal of confronting terror... in this respect, I view this very, very critically," Merz stated. "The time has come when I must say publicly, (that) what is currently happening is no longer comprehensible."
While Merz declined to specify potential German responses to his criticism, he notably avoided denying weapons embargo possibilities when directly questioned. "Our assistance levels remain subject to internal governmental deliberations," he explained, adding that "our decisions won't necessarily be announced publicly."
Simultaneously, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul affirmed Tuesday during local radio interviews that German-Israeli solidarity remains foundational. However, he emphasized that "our determined antisemitism combat and complete support for Israel's existence rights and security – cannot be exploited to justify the current Gaza Strip conflict and warfare."
Both Merz and Wadephul represent Germany's historically pro-Israel political establishment, making their public criticism particularly significant regarding German public sentiment toward the Gaza conflict. Echoing Merz's position, Wadephul suggested additional German measures. "We've arrived at a juncture requiring careful consideration of further steps," he noted without elaboration.
Growing coalition pressure for arms cutoff
Berlin's governing coalition faces mounting internal pressure to terminate Israeli weapons supplies. Social Democratic Party leadership declared that "continued military operations violate international law standards." Former parliamentary leader Rolf Mützenich stated his belief that "completely ending weapons shipments represents the correct decision now."
Monday saw SPD foreign policy spokesperson Adis Ahmetovic tell Stern magazine that "German armaments cannot facilitate humanitarian catastrophes or international law violations. Consequently, we urge Netanyahu's government toward ceasefire agreements and renewed negotiations."
Israel has initiated urgent diplomatic damage control as continental political support appears to collapse. German Ambassador Ron Prosor acknowledged in interviews that "Friedrich Merz's criticism demands our careful attention because he remains our friend."
Prosor argued that "Israel cannot construct anything while Islamic terror organizations persist. They seek neither territory nor authority – only our destruction." He described the "destructive cycle" whereby Israel simultaneously attempts hostage rescues, humanitarian assistance delivery, and terrorist combat as exceptionally "challenging."
The ambassador condemned Hamas while suggesting ceasefire possibilities exist upon hostage releases, noting the terror organization's transformation of "educational facilities into armament storage, religious sites into operational bases, and medical centers into command headquarters. Israeli critics must understand our operational circumstances."
