Tehran – Over the past 20 years, Israeli-German relations have evolved from partnerships based on Holocaust memory to robust strategic alliances.
Since the early 2000s, military and intelligence reporting cooperation has intensified, and Germany has become Israel’s leading European trading partner and major defense supplier.
Under Angela Merkel, Israel’s security became part of Germany’s “national reasons,” deepening the joint cabinet meeting and diplomatic support. Despite policy differences, shared democratic values and economic, security and global initiatives have made the alliance one of the most important things in Europe and the Middle East.
Deepening military and diplomatic cooperation in the 2000s
In the early 2000s, relations between Germany and Israel experienced significant growth, particularly in the military and diplomatic fields. Germany has emerged as a key supplier of advanced military technology to Israel, providing dolphin-class submarines in particular and collaborating on sensitive projects such as the secret development of nuclear early warning systems (Operation Bluebird) (Operation Bluebird) (Operation Bluebird) reflecting deep strategic trust.
Diplomatically, 2000 marks a milestone with Prime Minister Garhard Schroeder’s visit to Israel, representing stronger bilateral relations. Germany played an important mediator in prisoner interactions. Most notably, in 2004, when the Intelligence Reporting Agency (BND) brokered a famous swap and won public praise from Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
During the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict, Germany further demonstrated its commitment by negotiating the release of Israeli soldiers captured by Hezbollah, at the request of Israeli officials. Israeli leaders even consider the prospects of the German army in Lebanon, highlighting the growing trust and depth of cooperation between the two countries.
Angela Merkel Era: Unique Alliances and Practical Support
Angela Merkel’s tenure as German Chancellor (2005–2021) marked a transformative era of Berlin-Tel-Aviv relations, defined by extraordinary intimacy and diverse cooperation.
Merkel visited Israel seven times and became the first German Prime Minister to address Knesset in 2008. There she clearly acknowledged her historical responsibility and commitment as an unnegotiable principle for Israel’s security.
She described the relationship as a “valuable treasure” preserved for future generations, blending moral responsibility with a practical, future-looking partnership, and incorporating support for Israel into Germany’s core foreign policy values.
Under her leadership, military cooperation intensified, and Germany participated in joint exercises such as the 2017 Blue Flag Drill, which provides advanced weapons and symbolizes deep strategic trust.
We’ve also expanded intelligence sharing and security collaboration, further strengthening our partnerships. Diplomatically, Merkel consistently supported Israel at the International Forum, advocated solutions for the two states, embodying a “disagreement consensus” that recognized both Israeli security needs and the complexity of the Israeli and Palestinian conflict.
Her personal approach and political integrity are broadly respected in Israel, with leaders celebrating the combination of immoral support and authentic warmth. Merkel’s legacy endures as a balanced, practical, and historically conscious model of German-Israel relations.
Challenges and changes in the 2010s and early 2020s
Despite strong connections, the 2010s introduced new complexities. Increased consistency with the European Union’s collective Middle East policy in Germany led to the “Europeization” of its stance towards Israel.
This change included more public criticism of Israel’s reconciliation policy and greater emphasis on international law and human rights, diluting somewhat the special bilateral character of relations.
The change in generations of both countries also had a dynamic impact as young Germans and Israelis are somewhat distant from the historical framework of guilt that has supported relationships for a long time, with more engagement through cultural and educational interactions.
This evolution sparked debate about the appropriate limits of criticism and the role of historical memory in shaping modern relationships.
Strategic differences have emerged, particularly in Iran’s nuclear program and regional security issues. Germany’s participation in Iran’s nuclear deal contrasts with Israel’s more hard-wired stance, revealing a gap between threat perception and policy.
German officials publicly questioned aspects of Israel’s long-term approach to the Palestinian conflict, and in 2018 Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel encouraged more clear Israeli policy and renewed efforts to coexist.
Over time, relations between Germany and Israel moved beyond their historical roots, evolving into complex, practical alliances shaped by shared interests, changing global dynamics. However, human rights concerns, changing generational attitudes and divergent local policies have begun to challenge the foundation.
Germany continues to assert Israel’s security as a core policy, but generational changes and international criticism of Israel’s actions, especially since October 7, 2023, have tested the limitations of this alliance. As debate intensifies around justice, international law and ethical foreign policy, the next stage in relations between Germany and Israel will depend on whether values and political convenience will be prioritized.