Summary
German Chancellor Merz reconsiders EU-Israel association agreement.
Possible policy shift due to Gaza crisis.
Warnings of Gaza’s “catastrophic humanitarian situation.”
Reflects concern over conflict’s impact on EU-Israel ties.
In answer to a reporter's inquiry on a potential suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which calls for close links on trade and other areas of cooperation, Merz stated,
"We reserve the right to take such steps."
While other EU leaders support a suspension or partial suspension of the association agreement, Merz has so far ruled out German backing for a review of the deal.
Merz said that Germany will take part in an airlift to bring humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territories as pressure mounts on the German government to act to end starvation and misery in Gaza.
Merz stated that before considering any future moves, he would wait for the outcome of his foreign minister Johann Wadephul's scheduled travel to the Middle East, which is scheduled for Thursday. When a reporter inquired about a potential halt to German arms supplies to Israel, Merz simultaneously stated that he was unable to respond.
Although Germany has historically been one of Israel's closest supporters, pressure has been mounting on Merz to take decisive action to impose sanctions on Israel, especially from members of his own coalition, particularly the center-left Social Democratic Party. For the first time, Merz has hinted at the prospect of imposing sanctions on Israel for its activities in Gaza.
In recent days, Merz has also been under increasing international pressure as other European leaders call for decisive action. Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, declared last week that he would take steps to recognize a Palestinian state.
Merz stated that Defense Minister Boris Pistorius will work closely with France and the United Kingdom to arrange the German government's participation in the airlift of food and medical supplies into Gaza with Jordan.
“We know that this can only be a very small help for the people in Gaza, but at least it is a contribution that we are happy to make,”
Merz said.
What could trigger Germany's reconsideration of its EU-Israel stance?
The worsening humanitarian conditions and the extensive civilian suffering in Gaza have led Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the German government to rethink their traditionally strong support for Israel, which included opposing suspension of the association agreement earlier in the year.
Other EU countries like France, the UK, and Canada have called for stronger responses, including sanctions and reviews of ties with Israel.
The European Union voted in mid-2025 to review the EU-Israel association agreement, signaling a broader European move toward assessing the relationship in light of human rights concerns.