Voters in Germany express a desire for Friedrich Merz to exert influence on Israel
In his first 100 days in office, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has been steering a course marked by a focus on foreign policy, particularly in relation to Israel. A recent poll shows a clear majority of Germans believe Merz should increase pressure on Israel, with 83% approving of a partial export ban on military equipment that could be used in the Gaza conflict.
This shift in public opinion is reflected in Merz's policy, as he has called on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to alleviate the suffering of the 2 million people living in the Gaza Strip and imposed a partial export ban on military equipment to Israel. The ban will not approve any exports that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice.
However, this policy has faced mixed reactions within Germany's political landscape. While some CDU/CSU conservatives criticize the decision as undermining security collaboration with Israel and NATO, others, including coalition partner SPD, largely support it. Merz himself has pushed for Israel to ease the hardship on Gaza’s population and has openly questioned Israeli military objectives in Gaza, suggesting a more critical stance than previous governments.
Germany’s traditional policy viewed Israel’s security as a core national interest due to historical responsibility stemming from the Holocaust. However, the partial arms embargo signals a notable shift in Germany’s foreign policy, reflecting both changing public opinion and growing regional humanitarian concerns. Despite this, German leaders emphasize maintaining a fundamental partnership with Israel while promoting prospects for a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, on the domestic policy front, Merz has been focusing on irregular immigration. His popularity ratings have declined, with only 4 out of 10 respondents believing he is up to the job of effectively combating irregular immigration. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has seen a rise in support, with 24% of respondents saying they would vote for them.
The pension, nursing care, and health systems are in desperate need of reform, but the latest survey shows a lack of confidence in the government's ability to take the necessary measures to make these areas fit for the future. The fate of the hostages still being held captive by the Islamist terrorist group Hamas remains a main concern.
The conservative CDU/CSU bloc remains in the lead with 27% support, while support for the SPD, Greens, and Left Party in the Bundestag remains unchanged. Both Merz and his predecessor, Olaf Scholz, have emphasized that Germany still has a special responsibility for Israel's existence. However, only 31% of voters surveyed this week still think Germany has a special responsibility for Israel's existence.
In summary, Germany under Chancellor Merz is experiencing substantial public support for a more restrained military relationship with Israel, particularly regarding Gaza, though political divisions remain. The policy shift marks a nuanced evolution in Germany’s Israel policy balancing historical commitments, current human rights concerns, and domestic public opinion.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in his first 100 days, has steered Germany towards a focus on foreign policy, with a significant emphasis on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
- In response to public pressure, Merz has advocated for alleviating the suffering of Gaza's population and issued a partial export ban on military equipment to Israel.
- The policy shift towards a partially embargoed arms trade with Israel has sparked mixed reactions within Germany's political landscape, with some CDU/CSU conservatives questioning its impact on security collaboration.
- Concurrently, Merz is also addressing domestic issues, including irregular immigration, where his popularity ratings have dipped, and the far-right Alternative for Germany party has seen a growth in support.
- Apart from immigration concerns, Germany's healthcare, pension, and nursing care systems are being challenged to adapt to the future, with a lack of public confidence in the government's ability to implement necessary reforms.
- Despite the changing political landscape and shifting public opinion, both Merz and his predecessor, Olaf Scholz, continue to emphasize Germany's continued special responsibility for Israel's existence, a sentiment shared by only 31% of voters surveyed this week.
