Relationships with Israel: German-Israeli anniversary in the shadow of the Gaza War

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has asked Israel to immediately enable the delivery of relief goods to the needy population in the Gaza Strip. “The blockade for relief supplies must be canceled, humanitarian aid, medical relief supplies – not at some point, but now,” said Steinmeier at a joint press conference with Israel’s President Izchak Herzog in Berlin.

Herzog had come to the German capital to celebrate diplomatic relationships with Steinmeier exactly 60 years ago. “For us Germans, it was a gift that we were not allowed to expect after the devastation of the Second World War and the Schoah’s break in civilization,” said the Federal President.

Duke sees hostage of hostages as “key to everything”

Duke emphasized that “key to everything” in the Gaza conflict was the return of the hostages that were still in the hands of Hamas. If this successes, the situation in Gaza will change dramatically. It is Israel’s moral, even holy duty to solve the hostage question. “From here I appeal to the human family: bring them back home, now to the last of them.”

Steinmeier fears deepening of the trenches

Israel waged a war against terrorist threats in Gaza, said Steinmeier in the press conference. He recognizes the dilemma that Hamas causes for the Israeli army “by hiding cowardly behind civilians and further firing rockets on Israel”. He also sees the dilemma that creates the terrorist organization by enriching itself to relief goods.

“But I’m also afraid that the suffering that the people in Gaza experience, the trenches are increasing.” Everything had to be done to prevent an even greater catastrophe in Gaza, said the Federal President. He also demanded the release of all hostages through Hamas.

Steinmeier sees perspective for a peaceful solution to the conflict

Steinmeier appealed to Israel and its regional neighbors to explore the opportunity for a peaceful solution to the conflict. He had experienced an openness of Arab states that had not yet been seen on his trips to the region. “That’s why there is a window of the possibility where you have to test whether it is played seriously on all sides.” Such windows closed again, warned Steinmeier. So you have to act now.

Start of diplomatic relationships 20 years after the end of the war

Chancellor Ludwig Erhard and Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eschkol had agreed on May 12, 1965. This was preceded by a gradual approach of both states, the relationship of which was extremely stressed by the Holocaust, the murder of around six million Jews by Hitler-Germany.

Since then, Germany and Israel have linked a close network of political, economic, military, scientific and cultural relationships. They are supplemented by a lively youth exchange and more than 100 city twinning. The youngest has just been sealed between the German capital Berlin and the Israeli metropolis Tel Aviv. Israel today calls its second most important strategic partner in the world straight to the United States.

Steinmeier and Duke appreciate both relationships

The foundation of relationships between Germany and Israel is deep and sustainable, emphasized Steinmeier. “It bears the memory of the past as well as the divided values ​​of two liberal constitutional democracies.” Perhaps the “completely incredible German-Israeli reconciliation story” could be a glimmer of hope for the Middle East. “Peace is possible, reconciliation is possible.”

Duke named Steinmeier’s words and deeds “an example and model for moral clarity, for the courageous alliance between our countries and peoples”. He recalled that Steinmeier had traveled to Israel shortly after the Islamist Hamas attacked and expressed his solidarity. “This is how a real friend behaves,” said Herzog. “We are proud of the alliance with Germany and we appreciate the deep friendship and the German contribution to Israel’s security and prosperity.”

President have a common program for three days

Steinmeier and Duke took part in a meeting of German and Israeli young people in the afternoon. At the memorial Gleis 17 of the Berlin-Grunewald train station, the Jews deported from here to the work and concentration camps.

Both presidents continue the anniversary this Tuesday and Wednesday in Israel. Steinmeier will speak there with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and with MPs of Knesset. The program also includes a visit to the Beeri Kibbutz. The Hamas had destroyed this. Steinmeier visited him shortly afterwards and promised support in reconstruction.

Duke also meets Merz and Klöckner

The Israeli President also met in Berlin with President of the Bundestag Julia Klöckner and Chancellor Friedrich Merz (both CDU). He had already wished this and his government in the press conference with Steinmeier.