Deepening the German-Israeli Partnership in Uncertain Times
As Germany welcomes a new federal government at the eve of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Israel, this moment is more than symbolic. It is a rare opportunity to advance the bilateral partnership to an entirely new level — one that is rooted in history, but firmly future-facing. The world has changed dramatically, and so must the way we cooperate.
The Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7 has reshaped the regional landscape and reminded many in Germany of the existential threats Israel faces daily. In this light, the new coalition agreement of the German government sends an unmistakable message: Germany reaffirms that Israel’s right to exist and defend itself is a matter of Staatsräson — a defining principle of its national identity. But reaffirmation must be matched by renewed action.
From Zeitenwende to Strategic Partnership
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Germany has undergone what Chancellor Olaf Scholz termed a Zeitenwende — a fundamental turning point in its foreign and security policy. The resulting realignment, expressed in the new coalition agreement, now includes the creation of a National Security Council, a reform of the national depth break for significantly more investments in defense, and a shift toward more proactive international engagement, including Germany’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in 2027/28.
This transformation compels Germany to forge strategic partnerships with like-minded democracies worldwide — and Israel is among the most natural and valuable of these partners. Few countries possess Israel’s experience in hybrid threats, missile defense, or counter-terrorism. Bilateral defense cooperation, intelligence sharing, and technological joint ventures are areas with immediate and tangible potential.
Closer cooperation between Germany and Israel strengthens not only their own strategic autonomy, but also the wider framework of democratic alliances. It complements, rather than replaces, the transatlantic bond. In fact, as both countries currently have to navigate through complex and sometimes challenging relations with the United States, maintaining strong trilateral ties becomes all the more vital. Germany’s relationship with the U.S., and Israel’s historic alliance with Washington, remain essential pillars of international stability. A deeper German-Israeli partnership reinforces those transatlantic connections — by showing that democracies can stand together, innovate together, and defend shared values democratic together.
A Public Mandate for Deeper Relations
These political developments are also echoed within the German political opinion. The Israel Survey 2024, conducted anually by the European Leadership Network (ELNET), shows broad support among German Members of Parliament for close ties with Israel: 75 perpercent of all participating MPs call for more intense cooperation with Israel. Most favorable topics are new technolgies (70 percent), education and science (70 percent), and defense (61 percent). Last year, 71 percent of participating MPs also recognized Israel-related hatred as a severe issue and wanted to invest more in combatting all forms of antisemitism. Considering the given circumstances, figures are likely to have risen further since then.
Some findings from ELNET’s Israel Survey 2024:
These findings strengthen the ambitions of the new German coalition under the leadership of Friedrich Merz. In its agreement, the government commits to intensifying the fight against antisemitism — especially in schools and universities — and to ending public funding for any group that undermines Israel’s right to exist. Future support for UNRWA is contingent on comprehensive reforms, aiming to ensure international aid is used responsibly and constructively.
At the same time, Germany maintains its commitment to a negotiated two-state solution, recognizing the complexity of the conflict but standing firm with Israels right and need to defend itself.
Investing in the Next Generation: The Youth Office Must Finally Become Reality
While military and diplomatic alignment is crucial, sustainable partnerships are built between people. The Zeitenwende in Europe and the Hamas attack on Israel have a deeper impact on both nations than many realize thus far. This makes it essential to finally bring a long-planned project to fruition: the creation of a German-Israeli Youth Office — modeled after the successful Franco-German institution. The decision to establish it was made in 2018. And yet, for various bureaucratic and political reasons, it has been delayed ever since.
Now, in the 60th anniversary year, the time has come to deliver. A youth office could enable thousands of young people from both countries to engage in exchange programs, community projects, and cultural dialogue. This investment in human connection is not symbolic — it is strategic. In a world of disinformation and division, mutual understanding among the next generation is the strongest foundation for resilient diplomacy.
A Partnership to Be Lived — Not Just Signed
As Germany assumes more global responsibility, and as Israel defends its sovereignty under unprecedented conditions, there is a new opportunity to further evolve the relationship between the two countries into a comprehensive alliance based on shared strategic interests and democratic values. The new German coalition agreement provides a robust framework — from defense to education, from economic innovation to civil society engagement.
But ultimately, this is more than a government-to-government roadmap. It is an open invitation to academia, business, civil society, and politics in Israel to bring new energy to this relationship in its 60th anniversary year. Let us not just remember our shared history, and the unique friendship which was built after the Shoah. Let us shape our shared future – for the benefit of both nations.
