Will Germany reconsider imposing sanctions against Israel due to issues in Gaza?

In recent months, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has become a topic of intense discussion among foreign ministers of European Union (EU) states. The Israeli military campaign, launched after an October 2023 attack by the Hamas militant group, has resulted in allegations of violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza.

Germany, with its historical responsibility to Israel due to the Holocaust, finds itself at the centre of this debate. A growing majority of countries support sanctions against Israel, according to the EU's foreign affairs boss, Kaja Kallas. The German government, however, has been more cautious in its approach.

Polls indicate that a majority of Germans believe Israel's actions in Gaza are not justified and think their government should stop or limit arms exports to Israel. This sentiment is reflected in the actions of political parties across the spectrum. The Left party has pushed for an end to arms exports to Israel, while some members of the center-left Social Democrats have suggested more concrete measures against Israel.

The SPD branch in Berlin passed a resolution urging the coalition government to do more, including not blocking the suspension of the EU association agreement with Israel. This resolution, coupled with the growing public sentiment, has put pressure on the German government to reconsider its stance.

The German Federal Ministry of Defence could change its position on arms deliveries to Israel if there is evidence of a violation of international law or involvement in crimes against humanity. This stance aligns with the Arms Trade Treaty, which prohibits arms exports where they might be used for serious violations of humanitarian international law or human rights.

However, not all German politicians agree on the approach to Israel. Members of the CDU, such as Merz and Wadephul, have criticized Israel's actions in Gaza but insist that the close relationship with the country is the best way to influence it.

The debate within Germany is mirrored within the EU. Some EU nations privately expressed frustration with EU states blocking sanctions on Israel. Observers say Germany's isolation within the EU is becoming increasingly clear, with two-thirds of EU states wanting to review the bloc's association agreement with Israel due to allegations of human rights violations in Gaza.

As the most populous member of the EU, Germany is a significant player in any vote regarding sanctions on Israel. The German government's stance on this issue will likely shape the EU's response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Alexander Schwarz, a lawyer with the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, stated that there are several legal cases that could involve Germany in such allegations, including in the International Court of Justice in The Hague and domestic courts. The German government has sought legal advice due to fears that supporting Israel might mean German complicity in war crimes, even genocide.

Martin Kobler, a retired German ambassador, stated that even the Dutch want to take a harder line now. Another diplomat revealed that the German government has sought legal advice due to these concerns. The ongoing debate within Germany and the EU on Israel's actions in Gaza is a complex issue with far-reaching implications.

Various measures have been discussed, including suspending the EU-Israel association agreement, a trade pact, or preventing Israeli companies from participating in the EU's Horizon research fund. The future of these relationships hangs in the balance as the debate continues.

Will Germany reconsider imposing sanctions against Israel due to issues in Gaza?