Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier engaged in discussions regarding the situation in the Gaza conflict with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his two-day visit to Israel on Tuesday. This visit occurred amidst escalating tensions, with Netanyahu declaring a new offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The talks focused on the conduct of the war, its potential ramifications, and the recently announced military operations.
Steinmeier’s Dialogue with Netanyahu on Gaza War Conduct
Defending the Decision to Meet
Prior to the meeting, Steinmeier conveyed that the conversation would address the management of the conflict, its repercussions, and the details of the new military plans. He expressed hope for receiving thorough explanations, especially concerning the medium and long-term objectives of the offensive.
The German president also defended his decision to meet Netanyahu, dismissing criticism from Amnesty International. He stated, “I find that the demand is very simplistic. It would also be the easiest thing for politicians to avoid difficult conversations. That has never been my stance. And it is especially not my stance in relation to Israel.”
Amnesty International had urged Steinmeier to avoid the meeting due to the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Netanyahu, citing accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Diplomatic Exchanges and Historical Significance
Reciprocal Visits and Honoring Diplomatic Ties
Steinmeier’s arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv was marked by a military salute, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcoming him. This visit followed Herzog’s trip to Berlin on Monday.
These reciprocal visits commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel. Formal ties were established on May 12, 1965, through an agreement between then-Chancellor Ludwig Erhard and Prime Minister Levi Eshkol.
This milestone followed a period of reconciliation after the Holocaust, in which Nazi Germany murdered approximately six million Jews. Over the subsequent decades, Germany and Israel have cultivated strong cooperation across political, economic, military, scientific, and cultural domains.
Addressing Humanitarian Concerns
However, the Gaza conflict cast a shadow over the anniversary. In Berlin, Steinmeier appealed to Herzog to ease the blockade hindering humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza and to uphold international law.
“Israel’s enemies do not abide by the rules, but we must,” Steinmeier remarked during a state banquet in Berlin, while also acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense.
During their time in Jerusalem, the two presidents toured the National Library of Israel.
Upcoming Visit to Kibbutz Be’eri
Remembering the October 7th Attack
Steinmeier’s itinerary includes a visit to Kibbutz Be’eri, situated on the Gaza Strip border. The kibbutz suffered extensive destruction during the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas. Steinmeier previously visited the kibbutz with Herzog shortly after the assault.