Germany’s Ordeal with Israel
Germany’s Ordeal with Israel
By Dr. Halim Gençoğlu
Germany’s support for Israel is not merely a foreign policy choice but a fundamental component in the reconstruction of its national identity, both as atonement for historical crimes and as a sign of reliability within the Western world. So much so that the German government’s “special historical responsibility” (besondere historische Verantwortung) toward Israel—summed up in the German concept of Staatsräson—suggests that Germany’s support for Israel’s security is not only based on geopolitical interest, but also on a moral and historical obligation.
The Holocaust, the genocide of Jews by the Nazis during World War II, left a deep mark on German history. After 1945, Germany officially rejected the crimes of the Nazi regime, accepted responsibility, and took several steps toward remembrance of the Holocaust and restitution for the Jewish people. In the post-war period, Germany felt obligated, partly pressured to take a clear stand against Holocaust denial and the spread of antisemitism. This historical context has shaped Germany’s relations with Israel.
However, while a massacre against Palestinians unfolds on one side, Germany’s support for Israel reaching “shameful and disgraceful levels” can be explained by both domestic politics and its stance in the international arena. In this article, we will examine the historical foundations and development of Germany’s support for Israel, along with the ethical and diplomatic problems arising from this support.
Reparations and Restoration Projects
In 1952, Germany and Israel signed the “Reparations Agreement.” Under this agreement, West Germany agreed to provide financial and material compensation to Israel and individuals harmed by the Holocaust. These reparations included both compensation for physical damage and the loss of property. However, this agreement also shows that Germany’s view of Israel is not only retrospective, but also shaped by a sense of responsibility that influences its current policies.
Germany’s integration with the West, efforts to re-legitimize itself as a democratic state, refusal to deny the Holocaust, and the suppression of antisemitism have created a particular “ethical expectation” for Germany in the international sphere. Relations with Israel have become a tool for demonstrating Germany’s prestige and moral stance within the Western Bloc.
The Extent of Germany’s Support for Israel
Since the founding of the Israeli state, particularly during the West Germany period, Germany has supported Israel’s existence and security. This support includes official recognition, establishing diplomatic relations, and the use of defense and foreign policy instruments.
One of the most debated issues in recent years has been Germany’s military exports and arms support to Israel. For instance, since 2023, reports indicate that Germany has increased arms exports to Israel, though this support has also been criticized in the context of humanitarian law.
In 2025, it appears that Germany has partially suspended or restricted arms exports—particularly weapons that could be used in Gaza. This shows the influence of public pressure and domestic political balances. While a large segment of German society supports Israel’s security, public criticism and reactions have increased due to Israeli military operations in Palestine and the resulting civilian casualties.
Political leaders have often invoked Germany’s “special responsibility” toward Israel, and this rhetoric frequently becomes the subject of debate, especially when Israel’s policies are criticized.
Moral, Legal, and Political Contradictions
For some, the burden of the Holocaust legitimizes Germany’s unconditional support for every Israeli action. However, this “over-interpretation of historical responsibility” has been widely criticized. When Israeli military operations in Palestinian territories—causing civilian harm and infrastructure destruction—are supported by Germany, it is argued that this contradicts Germany’s own principles of human rights and international law.
Germany’s support and arms exports are seen as “problematic” under international humanitarian law. Critics claim that Germany’s assistance facilitates Israeli actions and creates situations that legitimize harm to Palestinian civilians.
Analysts argue that Germany violates its own democratic values, such as “freedom of expression,” by banning or restricting protests critical of Israeli policies. As a result, Germany faces challenges in its relations with the Arab and Islamic world due to its support for Israel. This affects Germany’s prestige on economic, diplomatic, and social levels.
Public reaction—especially among the younger generation—is creating a platform for questioning Germany’s Israel policy. Objections to political rhetoric such as “Israel’s security is non-negotiable” are growing day by day.
The Holocaust Burden and Foreign Policy Implications
It is evident that the heavy burden of the Holocaust and the acknowledgment of Nazi crimes have placed Germany under pressure to support Israel’s security and right to exist. This is a significant point of consensus in both society and politics.
Germany’s policies against antisemitism, protection of the Jewish community, Holocaust remembrance culture, and the teaching of the Holocaust in public education occupy a strong place in politics. This also reinforces pro-Israel discourse in foreign policy.
On the other hand, Germany’s desire to be perceived as a democratic, rule-of-law-based, human rights-defending actor—and its aspiration for “ethical leadership” due to its Holocaust past—motivates continued support for Israel. Moreover, there are practical interests in areas such as Western alliances, defense technologies, and intelligence cooperation. Germany’s relations with the U.S. and its geopolitical position within the EU give it an advantage in maintaining close ties with Israel.
However, public opinion surveys show a decline in support for Israel in Germany. In particular, the civilian harm and humanitarian crises caused by Israeli military operations are increasing public criticism. Even German society expects more ethical consistency, clearer criticism, and a foreign policy based on human rights and international law from its government.
Conclusion
The genocide of six million Jews during the Nazi period left a deep historical and moral sense of responsibility on Germany. For this reason, Germany placed the principle of “never again” (Nie wieder) at the center of its foreign policy after 1945. The security of Israel became a historical “existential responsibility” (Staatsräson) for the Federal Republic of Germany. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel clearly expressed this in her 2008 speech at the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), stating:
“Israel’s security is part of Germany’s raison d’état.”
Indeed, Germany provides Israel with high-tech submarines, radar systems, and defense industry support. For example, Dolphin-class submarines have been manufactured in Germany and delivered to Israel. Some of this assistance falls under war reparations or is subsidized by the German federal budget.
Germany is also the only European country to indirectly support Israel’s nuclear deterrence. However, there is a strong movement within German public opinion—especially among the younger generation and leftist circles—that empathizes with Palestine. This forces the government to balance its political rhetoric.
References:
DW News. (2023). German-Israeli Relations: A Permanent Responsibility. Deutsche Welle. https://www.dw.com/en/german-israeli-relations-a-permanent-responsibility/a-65374537
TRT World. (2024). Germany’s Arms Exports to Israel: Aiding War or Fulfilling Guilt? https://www.trtworld.com/article/18229254
Foreign Policy. (2025). Germany’s Blind Spot: Supporting Israel at the Expense of Its Own Values. https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/02/14/germany-israel-palestine-gaza-arms-exports-war-crimes-antisemitism-islamophobia/
The Guardian. (2025). Germany Halts Military Exports to Israel amid Gaza Concerns. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/08/germany-halts-military-exports-to-israel-gaza-friedrich-merz
Anadolu Ajansı (AA). (2024). Almanya’da İsrail Eleştirisi Yükseliyor: Kamuoyu Artık Daha Sert. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/dunya/almanyada-israil-siyasetine-karsi-elestiriler-artiyor/2890512