Portrait of Olaf Scholz
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Olaf Scholz on Israel

Staunch ally, critic of settlements (strong)

TL;DR

Olaf Scholz views Israel's security as Germany's permanent state interest, strongly supporting its defense against attacks.

Key Points

  • He affirms that Israel’s security is part of Germany’s permanent state interest, derived from the responsibility of the Holocaust.

  • In October 2023, he stated Germany would supply Israel with weapons to defend itself against barbaric attacks.

  • He previously addressed controversial issues, including settlement policy, in discussions with Israeli leaders, and has called the accusation of genocide against Israel "absurd."

Summary

Olaf Scholz has articulated a position where Germany’s commitment to Israel’s existence and security is an enduring state interest, fundamentally guided by the historical responsibility deriving from the Holocaust. Following the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, he unequivocally condemned the violence, stating that Israel possesses the right under international law to defend itself against the barbaric attack, and pledged that Germany would stand by Israel, examining and granting support requests. This solidarity has been reinforced by pledges to supply Israel with weapons for its defense.

While firmly supporting Israel’s right to security, the Chancellor has also maintained a critical stance on certain Israeli policies, specifically voicing concern and criticizing the settlement policy in the occupied West Bank, which he has addressed in direct talks with Israeli leadership. Furthermore, following the October 7 attacks, he expressed shame over the silence of the Palestinian Authority regarding the terror violence and initiated a review of all German development cooperation funding to the Palestinian territories based on its contribution to regional peace and Israel's security.

Key Quotes

the genocide accusation is absurd

Frequently Asked Questions

Olaf Scholz firmly states that Israel's security constitutes part of Germany's permanent state interest. He unequivocally supports Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist attacks, as demonstrated by his commitment to supply defensive weapons.

Yes, he has. Olaf Scholz has consistently addressed controversial issues with Israeli leadership, most notably criticizing the settlement policy in the occupied West Bank. He has also expressed concern over the prospect of a two-state solution.

The Chancellor has called accusations of genocide against Israel, particularly in the context of International Court of Justice investigations, 'absurd.' He maintained that while legitimate criticism of actions during the war can exist, the genocide claim is factually wrong.