Current conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza (now spreading across the Middle East), have placed Germany in a difficult position, forcing it to reconsider its role in the world. A uniquely German sense of guilt and shame for the Holocaust “inseparably” ties the Israel-Palestine conflict to “Germany’s unquestionable solidarity with Israel”, writes Frank Trentmann, in his new book on the legacy of World War II in Germany.
Since Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7 2023, politicians have reiterated that Israel’s security is Germany’s “reason of state”. This makes criticism of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in the occupied territories “an extremely sensitive matter”. Even Jewish critics of Israel’s government have been cancelled and criticised as antisemitic.
Following the second world war, Germany has focused on atoning for its role as perpetrator and collaborator and, while a NATO member, it has largely avoided playing a leading role in international conflicts. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has forced Germany to reevaluate its foreign policy and emerge from national introspection in what Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called a “Zeitenwende”, or historical turning point.
