During a brief stopover in Jordan en route to Israel, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz lavished praise on King Abdullah, highlighting what he described as the monarch’s “prudence and foresight”. The visit, occurring against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions and ongoing diplomatic maneuvering, underscores Germany’s complex relationship with the Middle East and its reliance on Jordan’s stability.
Speaking in Akaba on Saturday evening, Merz emphasized Jordan’s extraordinary humanitarian burden, acknowledging its role as host to a substantial Palestinian refugee population. This recognition, while seemingly diplomatic, raises critical questions about the long-term sustainability of Jordan’s strategy and the international community’s responsibilities towards Palestinian displacement. While Merz lauded Jordan’s efforts, he conspicuously omitted any mention of addressing the root causes of the refugee crisis, fueling criticism that Germany’s approach remains focused on managing symptoms rather than tackling the underlying political issues.
The Chancellor explicitly framed Jordan as a key partner in Germany’s broader ambitions for regional peace, envisioning a future where Israelis, Palestinians and Arab states can coexist securely. This statement, however, lacks concrete details regarding Germany’s proposed pathway to achieving such a resolution, leaving observers to question the substance behind the rhetoric. Critics argue that Germany’s pronouncements often fail to translate into substantial pressure on either Israel or Palestinian factions, perpetuating a status quo characterized by stalled negotiations and recurring conflict.
The security cooperation between Germany and Jordan, described by Merz as “very good” is firmly anchored by the presence of a Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) support facility in Al-Azraq, housing approximately 170 German soldiers. This deployment, while ostensibly focused on training and logistical support, represents a significant German military footprint in the region. The continued operation of this base and the implications for wider German foreign policy objectives, will likely draw scrutiny, particularly given the current instability surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and Germany’s complex legal framework governing foreign military deployments.
Merz’s subsequent meetings with Israeli President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu are expected to revolve around similar themes of regional stability and security, but the absence of a robust plan to address the underlying causes of conflict leaves many in doubt about Germany’s ability to truly influence a transformative shift in the region. The visit, while designed to signal continuity in German policy, underscores the urgent need for a more nuanced and proactive strategy that moves beyond managing crises towards actively fostering a lasting and equitable peace.
