60 years of diplomatic ties between Germany and Israel

The leaders of Germany and Israel marked the ongoing ties between their nations on May 12th, six decades after diplomatic ties between the countries started, according to Al-Monitor.

Germany’s president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, said the launch of the ties in 1965 was “a gift that we Germans could not have expected after the horrors of the Second World War.” Israeli president Issac Herzog said the cooperation and unity between the two countries was “a source of hope.”

Herzog applauded Germany’s aid towards Israel’s security and stability as well as its committed support after the attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7th 2023.

Steinmeier emphasized that Israel must “defend itself against Islamist terrorism.” He also feared that “the suffering experienced by the people in Gaza is deepening the divide, and that worries me.” He stated that “everything must be done to prevent an even greater humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.”

Berlin, led by conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz, asserts that supporting Israel is fundamental. However, relations have become strained due to the Gaza conflict and other related matters.

Friedrich Merz declared “Israel must also remain a country that lives up to its humanitarian obligations.” He added that “especially as this terrible war is raging in the Gaza Strip, where this confrontation with Hamas terrorists is necessarily taking place.”

On April 3rd, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged for “serious” talks to resolve the Gaza conflict. He emphasized the need to restore the ceasefire and free all hostages. Scholz also stated that talks should focus on creating a post-war Gaza that guarantees Israel’s security. His comments came as Israeli forces continued with military attacks in the enclave.

In recent years, Germany has witnessed the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Its leaders question the country’s “remembrance culture” to atone for Nazi crime, according to France 24.

Bjoern Hoecke, a prominent AfD member, called Berlin’s Holocaust memorial for six million murdered Jews a “memorial of shame.”

Germany has also expressed strong concerns about the rising anti-Semitism. This includes anti-Semitism from the far-right, far-left, and Arab and Muslim immigrants.

Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor told AFP that Germany remains “Israel’s most important ally in Europe.” He emphasized that the two nations now share “a true friendship.”

Al-Monitor, France 24