The German government appears to be subtly distancing itself from the long-held articulation of Israel’s security as integral to Germany’s “Staatsräson”, a concept denoting the national interest justifying extraordinary measures. When pressed by the dts Nachrichtenagentur to confirm the continued validity of the phrase – previously a cornerstone of Berlin’s policy toward Israel – Deputy Government Spokesperson Sebastian Hille offered a circumspect response on Monday. He steered the inquiry toward Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent visit to Israel, where Scholz affirmed Germany’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s existence and security, describing it as a “unchangeable core” of the bilateral relationship.
The shift in language is noteworthy. During meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, Christian Lindner, the finance minister acting as Chancellor due to Scholz’s travel, conspicuously avoided using the term “Staatsräson”, opting instead for the “core” formulation. Lindner’s choice extended to his inscription in the guest book at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial, reinforcing this linguistic recalibration.
The declaration of Israel’s security as part of German “Staatsräson” was initially coined in 2008 by then-Chancellor Angela Merkel within the Knesset and subsequently repeated throughout successive administrations. Its abandonment, even through nuanced phrasing, raises questions about the evolving calculus informing German foreign policy.
Analysts suggest this carefully managed disengagement could reflect a complex interplay of factors. The rising tide of criticism surrounding Israel’s policies in the West Bank and Gaza, coupled with growing domestic pressure to adopt a more critical stance, may be prompting a quiet reassessment of the strength and public articulation of Berlin’s commitment. While maintaining a steadfast pledge of support remains paramount, the deliberate avoidance of “Staatsräson”, a term often associated with significant and potentially controversial actions, signals a potential desire to navigate increasingly fraught geopolitical waters with greater flexibility and a measured tone, particularly as domestic political considerations intensify.
