Sixty years ago, on May 12, 1965, Germany and Israel established diplomatic relations following a lengthy period of preparation. This was significant, occurring just two decades after World War II and the Nazi genocide of European Jews. Even now, 80 years post-war, relations remain critical yet complex. Israeli President Isaac Herzog is visiting Berlin to commemorate the anniversary. He and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier plan to visit the "Platform 17" Holocaust memorial at Grunewald station, from which approximately 10,000 Jews were deported to concentration camps during the Nazi era. Herzog will also meet with over 100 German and Israeli youth, acknowledging the rise in antisemitism, particularly among young Germans, since the start of the Gaza conflict.

Following the Berlin visit, Herzog and Steinmeier will travel to Israel and visit a kibbutz near Gaza. The visit coincides with the beginning of Friedrich Merz's chancellorship. Like his predecessors, Merz recognizes Germany's special responsibility towards Israel. This responsibility was highlighted by former Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2008 when she addressed the Knesset, describing it as Germany's "reason of state" (Staatsräson), emphasizing Germany's political duty to ensure Israel's existence and security. This principle has guided successive chancellors, even amidst criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza. German politicians have consistently affirmed Israel's right to defend itself after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths and the abduction of around 250 hostages. The EU, the United States, Germany, and other nations classify Hamas as a terrorist organization.

However, upholding this principle presents practical challenges, as criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza grows within Germany. Israel's blockade of aid to Gaza since March has caused hunger and deaths. The war in Gaza, initiated in response to the 2023 Hamas attacks, has resulted in over 52,600 deaths in the Hamas-controlled territory, according to its health authorities. In his initial interview as chancellor, Merz stated that Israel is of utmost concern and announced his Foreign Minister's upcoming visit to Israel. He emphasized that the Israeli government must adhere to international law and the laws of war.

In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, among others, for alleged war crimes in Gaza. As a founding member of the ICC, Germany would be obligated to arrest Netanyahu if he entered German territory. Despite this, Merz initially indicated his intention to find ways to allow Netanyahu to visit Germany without arrest. However, he has since emphasized that while Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas, it must also fulfill its humanitarian obligations, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

The dispute surrounding the arrest warrant highlights the ongoing complexity of the relationship between Germany and Israel, particularly in light of the Gaza conflict. While former Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock frequently visited Israel after the war's outbreak, Netanyahu's last visit to Berlin was in March 2023. Germany and Israel also conduct government consultations to underscore the relationship's importance. Germany holds such consultations with only 12 countries worldwide. The last consultations with Israel took place over seven years ago.