Israel and Germany celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations

The presidents of Israel and Germany celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations in a meeting on May 12th while coming to terms with their differences over the war in Gaza, according to Al-Monitor.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Berlin before both leaders began a joint visit to Israel. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier welcomed Herzog with at Bellevue Palace. He called the 1965 start of relations “a gift we Germans did not expect after World War II.” Herzog, speaking at a joint press conference, praised six decades of cooperation and reconciliation. He called it “a source of hope.”

Herzog thanked Germany for supporting Israel’s security and for standing with Israel after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He said Germany showed “moral clarity.” In response, Steinmeier emphasised Israel’s right to defend itself. However, he also expressed concern over the growing suffering in Gaza. He warned that it could deepen divisions.

Both presidents met young people involved in exchange programs, France 24 with AFP reported on May 12th. They also visited a Holocaust memorial at a Berlin train station, once used for Nazi deportations.

They began their historic joint tour of Israel. They planned to meet youth, leaders, and kibbutz residents to highlight a resilient friendship. However, the war in Gaza has tested that bond.

Germany, now led by Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, supports Israel’s right to self-defence. Still, German leaders have urged Israel to meet humanitarian obligations. The Gaza blockade has caused critical shortages of food, water, and medicine.

Merz addressed the issue last week, urging both defence and restraint. The war has also raised difficult questions about a potential visit by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who faces an international arrest warrant. Steinmeier said he hoped both sides would avoid forcing Germany to decide whether to enforce the warrant, DW reported on May 12th.

Al-Monitor, DW, France 24 with AFP