OR Israel’s attack Against Iran launches a new, extremely dangerous phase in Middle Eastat the same time creating unprecedented challenges for the German foreign policy. Berlin’s stance in the region has been a difficult balance over time, but recent events make this venture even more complex.

The traditional close relationships between Germany and Israel They are tested on new levels, despite Berlin’s clear support for Tel Aviv. Israel’s security was and remains a “state check” for Germany – a wording introduced in 2008 by Angela Merkel, validating the country’s historical responsibility for the Holocaust. This approach was not even questioned by its successor, Odf Saltz, who reiterated this doctrine after the Hamas attack on Israel In October 2023.

Crisis management and internal dilemmas

Recently, Chancellor Friedrich Mertzin a statement that caused a great deal of discussion, he told the G7 meeting in Canada that Israel “He is respectful because he does the dirty work for all of us”. At the same time, both he and the foreign minister Johan Vadeful They raised objections to Israeli military manipulations in Gaza because of the humanitarian strike on civilians. Nevertheless, the German weapons deliveries to Israel continue uninterrupted.

Israel defends its attitude citing ‘Immediate and existential threat’ from Iran, while the Minister of Defense, Israel Kats, speaks of ‘Preventive blow’ because of Tehran’s evolving nuclear technology. OR German government He shares concern about the Iranian nuclear program, though – as internationalists noted – maintains a limited leading role in the conflict.

Diplomatic capabilities and the issue of legality

According to Hans-Jacob Siddler, a representative of Counter Extremism ProjectBerlin’s position is considered ‘Predictable’. He notes that Germany cannot take on an active mediating role in the current context, while the classic EU -US -Iran negotiating formula has now been sidelined. “Unfortunately Europeans are more spectators than protagonists“, The expert points out.

New tensions also arise within the government coalition, where several executives express fears about ‘Absolute identification’ with Israel. One of the central points of reflection concerns the limits of right to legal defense. The question of whether Israel can invoke this right, as well as whether the attack on Iran is in line with international law, divides public opinion and legal community in Germany. Lawyers remind you that one ‘Preventive blow’ It can only be justified under strict conditions of direct, inevitable threat.

Left co -chair, Jan Van Aken, speaking on German DLF radio, stressed that “This is not self -defense but an attack that is contrary to international law”. He added that while recognizing German responsibility for the security and right of Israel, this should not prevent condemnation of illegal war actions in Gaza or aggressive actions against Iran.

In summary, the German foreign policy It is under constantly increasing pressure, obliged to balance historical responsibilities, geopolitical alliances and the need to comply with international law, in an ever -mutation environment.