Germany Faces Pressure on Israel Sanctions Over Gaza

BERLIN — Germany is under growing pressure to support European Union plans to sanction Israel over its military campaign in Gaza, prompting heated debate in a country historically committed to Israel due to its Holocaust legacy.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has indicated that Germany will present its position on the proposed sanctions at an EU Council meeting in Copenhagen on October 1. The debate comes as Germany has already restricted weapons sales to Israel, a move welcomed by left-leaning groups but criticized by conservative factions, including the CSU.

The Gaza war, sparked by Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, has escalated with a severe humanitarian toll. While Germany and other Western nations condemned the initial Hamas attacks, many now question whether Israel’s response is disproportionate.

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Mariam Salehi, a researcher in international politics at Berlin’s Free University, said, “Germany is under increasing pressure from several directions — political partners within the EU, civil society within Germany, and international observers.”

Historically, questioning support for Israel has been highly sensitive in Germany. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel described Israel’s security as a core state interest. However, Christoph Heusgen, former foreign and security policy adviser and Germany’s former UN ambassador, recently suggested a reassessment, warning that Israel risks becoming an “apartheid state” and urging recognition of a Palestinian state.

Germany has so far avoided calling Israel’s Gaza offensive a “genocide,” despite a United Nations probe using the term. Berlin has also confirmed it currently has no plans to recognize a Palestinian state, unlike several Western allies including France, Britain, and Canada.

Pro-Palestinian protests in Germany have intensified, reflecting public concern. A ZDF poll found that 76% of German voters consider Israel’s military actions in Gaza unjustified, while a YouGov survey showed 62% believe the actions amount to genocide. Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through Berlin over the weekend, demanding an end to Israel’s campaign.

Historian Rene Wildangel criticized Germany’s approach, saying, “Germany is doing far too little to end this hell,” referencing Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s UN remarks describing Gaza as “hell on earth.”

Germany’s position will be closely watched internationally as the EU debates sanctions, with the country balancing its historical obligations to Israel against mounting pressure to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.