It will be interesting to see how Merz responds to Merkel’s principle that Israel’s security is part of Germany’s reasons of state. “That means that Israel’s security is never negotiable for me as German Chancellor,” Merkel said in a speech in the Israeli parliament in 2008. “And if that is the case, then these must not remain empty words in the hour of probation.” Merz recently distanced himself from the concept of raison d’état, even if, like Merkel and other predecessors, he feels committed to Israel’s security.
The stabilization of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which has now been in effect for almost two months, and efforts to enter a second phase of the peace process are likely to play a central role in the visit. This should, among other things, provide for the disarmament of Hamas and a peacekeeping force. The federal government has so far held back when it comes to the question of German participation.
Merz is also likely to address growing concerns in Israel about growing anti-Semitism in Germany. The Israeli ambassador Ron Prosor recently warned against left-wing anti-Semitism. This is more dangerous than that of the right and more dangerous than Islamist anti-Semitism “because it conceals its intentions,” he told the newspapers of the Funke media group.
Perhaps the most difficult question for Merz will be whether he will invite Netanyahu to Germany despite an international arrest warrant. Shortly after taking office, he expressed his willingness to allow him to visit. “In principle, an Israeli prime minister must be able to travel to Germany,” he said in mid-May. “He is a democratically elected Prime Minister of the only democracy in the entire region. In principle, this Prime Minister must be able to travel to Germany. We will inform you in good time how we make this possible, if it is planned.”
