Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has reiterated that the existence of the State of Israel constitutes a fundamental national interest for Germany. Speaking on the KAFFEE UND FLUCHEN podcast, which was published on YouTube on Friday, Merkel described this commitment as part of Germany's Staatsräson, a concept referring to a core reason for the state's existence or fundamental policy.
Merkel addressed the ongoing war in Gaza in the context of rising antisemitism within Germany. She emphasized the historical responsibility that underpins Berlin's relationship with the Jewish state. Referring to a previous speech she delivered in the Knesset, Merkel stated that for her, Israel's right to exist is indeed part of Germany's Staatsräson. She clarified that this deep commitment does not imply unconditional support for the current government or a ban on criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his policies.
The former chancellor noted that her stance is sometimes misinterpreted as a prohibition against criticism. She pointed to her own record while in office, stating that she frequently criticized Netanyahu's government. Merkel argued that there are valid reasons for such criticism now, particularly regarding the conduct of the war in the Gaza Strip. However, she stressed that any criticism must keep in mind the goal of ensuring Israel's continued existence and its ability to live in peace.
Merkel expressed rejection of one-sided declarations that fail to acknowledge these realities. She criticized the Left Party in Berlin for its stance on Israel, warning that threats to the state's existence from actors such as Iran and Hamas are real rather than theoretical. She firmly stated that the events of October 7 were an attack by Hamas on Israel, not the other way around, reminding listeners of the 2005 Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the subsequent Hamas takeover.
The former chancellor also highlighted the complex challenges facing Israel's security establishment. She described the task as exceptionally difficult, noting that she had never had to solve a problem of such magnitude. Merkel illustrated the difficulty by pointing out that Hamas positions itself beneath civilian infrastructure, such as kindergartens and hospitals, forcing a choice between destroying the enemy and affecting the structures above. She argued that an Israeli prime minister must prioritize the security of his citizens, a standard she noted is also expected of German leaders.
Despite her support for the necessity of the military response, Merkel argued that certain aspects have gone too far, particularly regarding the humanitarian situation. She stated that instances of disproportionality in what the civilian population endures must be identified and spoken about openly, especially concerning food supplies. She also expressed surprise at the limited number of people from within Gaza who have spoken critically of Hamas, though she acknowledged the danger such voices face.
Merkel suggested that a more nuanced debate could emerge if the specific circumstances surrounding Israel's operations are recognized. She questioned the disproportionate amount of international attention focused on Israel compared to other global humanitarian crises. Citing examples from Yemen and Sudan, where millions of children are starving, she noted that there is a lack of discussion regarding these other situations where civilian populations are suffering significantly.
