Exploring the tension between Germany’s historical guilt and its current foreign policy towards Israel.
Germany presents itself as a nation that has emerged from the shadows of its past, particularly the atrocities committed during World War II. Its Basic Law, established in the aftermath of Nazism, emphasizes the inviolability of human dignity, asserting that this principle applies universally to all individuals. However, the application of this principle appears inconsistent, especially regarding Germany’s support for Israel amidst its military actions against Palestinians.
The concept of support for Israel as Staatsräson, or reason of state, has been elevated in German political discourse, overriding the commitment to human dignity. In October 2023, then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a definitive statement in the Bundestag, emphasizing Germany’s unwavering position alongside Israel, framing this support as integral to the nation’s identity.
This position creates a conflict with Germany’s foundational values and the framework of international justice. The International Court of Justice has deemed Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories unlawful, while the International Association of Genocide Scholars has classified Israel’s actions in Gaza as meeting the criteria for genocide. Furthermore, a UN commission of inquiry has concluded that Israel has committed acts of genocide against the Palestinian population.
In response to these international findings, Germany has often opted for a narrative of complexity, suggesting that the situation is not straightforward. This framing has been used by various German leaders and commentators to deflect from the stark realities of civilian suffering and the implications of international law. For instance, Friedrich Merz, the current Chancellor, has expressed his inability to envision the arrest of Israeli officials, even in the face of ICC warrants for war crimes.
Germany’s approach to justice appears selective. While it has vocally supported the ICC’s indictments against leaders from other nations, such as Russia, its response to similar accusations against Israeli leadership has been markedly different. The term ‘complicated’ serves as a barrier to clarity, often used to obscure the moral and legal implications of ongoing violence against Palestinians.
The contradiction in Germany’s stance can be traced back to its historical context and unresolved guilt stemming from the Holocaust. While Germany seeks to honor its past by supporting Israel, this narrative often leads to the marginalization of Muslim and Arab communities within its own borders, creating a distorted view of antisemitism and its roots.
As public demonstrations in support of Palestine highlight growing dissent against the government’s policies, the debate surrounding Germany’s unconditional backing of Israel continues to unfold. The tension between historical memory and contemporary action raises critical questions about the true lessons Germany has learned from its past. If the lesson is that support for Israel must come at the expense of acknowledging the plight of Palestinians, it signals a dangerous misinterpretation of the values that underpin Germany’s identity.
Ultimately, the commitment to protecting human dignity for all remains unfulfilled. The practice of applying these principles selectively undermines the foundational legal and moral commitments that Germany professes to uphold.
