Israel’s ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, has publicly criticised a statement made by far-right Israeli cabinet member Bezalel Smotrich against German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stating the remarks “[eroded] the memory of the Holocaust.”
Rising Tensions
Prosor said he wished to “unequivocally condemn” Smotrich’s tirade, in which he referenced the Nazi regime and stated: “You will not force us into ghettos again.” The dispute arose following the chancellor’s objections to settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Smotrich, the Israeli finance minister, invoked the Nazis’ murder of 6 million Jews during the Second World War, saying on X that the German Chancellor should apologize on behalf of Germany rather than “preaching morality” to Israel regarding its actions against what he termed “the Nazis of our generation,” apparently equating Hamas with all Palestinians.
Prosor acknowledged a political debate exists but emphasized Merz’s friendship with Israel, stating, “Germany has proven…that it is our number one friend.” He also noted that disagreements between the two nations are common.
This represents not the first instance of friction. Last August, Merz announced Germany would stop exporting military equipment that could be used in Gaza, prompting criticism from Netanyahu’s government. Germany has also distanced itself from US-Israeli military action against Iran.
Recently, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar berated Germany’s ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, accusing him of an “obsession” with Jewish settlers and difficulty in condemning attacks against Israelis without also mentioning Palestinians. Seibert had previously commented on both Israeli and Palestinian casualties and actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Israeli ambassador’s criticism?
The Israeli ambassador to Germany criticised Bezalel Smotrich’s statement against the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, which the ambassador said eroded the memory of the Holocaust.
What was the core of Smotrich’s criticism of the German Chancellor?
Smotrich criticised the German Chancellor for objecting to settlements in the occupied West Bank and invoked the Nazis’ murder of 6 million Jews during the Second World War in his response.
What is Germany’s stated position regarding Israel’s security?
Germany views Israel’s security as integral to its own Staatsräson, a bedrock policy based on a bond between the nations after the Holocaust.
As relations between Israel and Germany navigate these challenges, will the long-standing alliance remain resilient in the face of increasingly divergent perspectives?
