NIAS GP Explainer

CWA # 1695
NIAS GP Explainer
State of Germany-Israel Relations

Fleur Elizabeth Philip
5 June 2025
Photo Source: Liesa Johannssen/REUTERS

On 11 May, Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Israel. He met Israel's Foreign Minister Gidon Sa’ar and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. They discussed the war in Gaza, a ceasefire, and the possibility of sending humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

Wadephul said, the war cannot be solved using military force, and a two-state solution is necessary for peace. Responding to this, Sa’ar stated, any moves recognising Gaza as a part of Palestine will lead to “unilateral actions.” He added that, if a ceasefire has been agreed, Israel will not stop until Hamas is defeated. Wadephul met with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where they celebrated 60 years of diplomatic ties and look forward to their constant friendship. Following the meeting, Israeli President Issac Herzog stated that the government calls for the international community to design a new plan to provide aid to Palestinians, excluding Hamas. Israel proposed to prevent Hamas from controlling the aid distribution.

What is the recent history of German-Israeli relationship?
The bilateral relations were established post Holocaust, confirmed in 1965, despite facing difficulties in trade, science, culture, and the Cold War. The relationship began following the discussions between Germany’s Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion in New York in 1960. Both focused on reintroducing Judaism in Germany and supporting Israel. In 1965, Chancellor Ludwig Erhard and Prime Minister Levi Eschol exchanged ambassadors, leading to the signing of the agreement, which developed the aviation, economy, and tourism sectors.

Over the past 60 years, Germany and Israel have developed a multifaceted relationship focusing on politics, culture, science, and education, academic collaboration, and several joint cultural initiatives. Germany is Israel’s primary trade partner, valued at USD 8.94 billion. German exports have an excellent reputation and have expanded their markets to Israel. The German government funds several intermediary organisations, like the Goethe Institut, that teach German. Partnerships in science and research from the Max Planck Society (MPG), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).  Germany’s Federal Foreign Office supports the preservation of the cultural sites, including the Dormito Benedictine Abbey and Yad Vashem, in Jerusalem. Both have cooperated on counter-terrorism efforts, rely on each other at times of crisis. In 2023, Germany and Israel signed an agreement for Berlin to purchase the Arrow 3 missiles, used to strengthen the air defence, following the war between Russia and Ukraine, by signing MoUs between Defence Ministers Boris Pistorius and Yoav Gallant.

What are the major bilateral issues today?
First is the difference in perceptions, including over the war in Gaza. Germany maintains a strong political and diplomatic stand in the international community and supports Israel's right to defend itself, not at the cost of killing others. Germany expressed their discomfort over Israel undermining Palestine, and emphasised that Gaza is a Palestinian territory. Israel views it as biased or one-sided support and has made it clear that their priorities lie in the dismantling of Hamas, and less on the external calls for negotiations.

Second, the public sentiment. Germans have criticised the actions taken by the Israeli government over Gaza and the West Bank. 60 per cent of the population disagree with Israel, but fear the rise of anti-semitism in Germany.  There is an increasing number of refugees who are anti-Israel, causing disruptions in their relationship. On the other hand, a majority of Israelis look at the Germans positively, and only 17 per cent of the people seem unfavourable.

Third, the export of arms to Israel. In Germany, due to public and political opposition to the export of arms, there have been several disputes in selling the weapons. The Green Party and the Social Democratic Party have assured that the arms will not be used against civilians.

So, what is the state of their relations today?
The Germany-Israel relationship is one of the most complex, that is built on history, moral responsibility, and its commitments. Germany feels that it owes Israel for the genocide of Jews. To take responsibility for its actions, Germany’s support for Israel is more than diplomatic. This partnership has intertwined guilt, reconciliation, and strategic alliance.

Germany will keep up with the promises made in the bilateral relations, by doing whatever it takes to guard Israel's security, but will not support its actions against the war in Gaza. Germany must also take into consideration the rise of antisemitism. It must balance its relationship with Israel and the commitments made to international law and human rights.

References
“Bilateral relations Milestones in German-Israeli relations,” Embassy of Israel, Berlin
Feliz Tasmut & Richard Walker,  “German FM visits Israel, doubts military solution for Gaza,” Deutsche Welle, 11 May 2025
 “Germany and Israel mark 60 years of diplomatic relations,” Leo Baeck Institute of London
“Germany and Israel: Bilateral relations,” Federal Foreign Office of Germany, 01 April 2025
“Germany and Israel sign an agreement for Berlin to buy a US-Israeli missile defense system,” AP News, 28 September 2023
 “Israel's Herzog calls on international community to help with new Gaza aid plan,” Reuters, 12 May 2025
 “Gaza war cannot be solved by military means, says German foreign minister,”  Reuters, 11 May 2025
“New German foreign minister travels to Israel for 'critical discussions'” Reuters, 10 May 2025
 

About the author
Fleur Elizabeth Philip is a Research Assistant (NIAS Europe Studies) at NIAS.


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