Merz has often walked a diplomatic tightrope when it comes to Israel. Germany traditionally treats Israel’s security as part of its Staatsräson — fundamental to the former’s core interests and identity — a principle famously articulated by former Chancellor Angela Merkel that leaves German leaders little room to publicly challenge Israeli policy. Yet the war in Gaza has increasingly tested that consensus in Berlin.
In May 2025 Merz sharply criticized the scale of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, saying the level of harm to civilians “could no longer be justified” as part of its fight against Hamas. Three months later, his government halted approvals for German arms exports that could be used in Gaza — a move that drew backlash from his own conservative CDU/CSU bloc.
The approach marks a shift from his predecessor Olaf Scholz, who after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack leaned heavily on Germany’s historic responsibility toward Israel and typically voiced concerns about Gaza in cautious humanitarian terms.
Wadephul, who arrived in Israel Tuesday, echoed Merz’s tougher tone. Condemning recent attacks by extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank, he said: “The violence of radical settlers, which again led to Palestinian deaths just days ago, we clearly condemn.”