Israel rift in Germany: Riot breaks out at the Foreign Ministry

Kokcha News Agency – According to a report by Spiegel magazine, titled “Uprising in the Foreign Ministry,” Germany’s Israel policy has sparked disappointment among its diplomats. Approximately 130 diplomats have formed internal chat groups to urge Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to take stricter measures against Israel. In some offices and the canteen of the Foreign Ministry, posters expressing support for Gaza have been hung, reflecting the growing dissent.

The diplomats, mostly in their 30s and 40s, include attachés, advisors, and deputy department heads who are preparing reports but are excluded from decision-making processes. While senior diplomats at the top of the hierarchy defend state interests, younger diplomats argue that Germany should treat Israel no differently than it treats Russia or the military junta in Myanmar. Some diplomats are concerned that Germany’s arms support for Israel could lead to legal liabilities in the future.

Citing international law, the diplomats warn that if the International Court of Justice rules that war crimes, crimes against humanity, or even genocide have been committed in Gaza, Germany could face accusations of contributing to these crimes by supplying weapons with full awareness of the situation.

• Diplomatic Discontent: Around 130 diplomats have formed internal chat groups to push for stricter measures against Israel.
• Support for Gaza: Posters supporting Gaza have been hung in some offices and the canteen of the Foreign Ministry.
• Legal Concerns: Diplomats warn that Germany’s arms support for Israel could lead to legal liabilities if international courts rule against Israel.
• Generational Divide: Younger diplomats argue for a consistent foreign policy, while senior diplomats prioritize state interests.
• Martin Kobler, a former diplomat who has served in Egypt and Pakistan, stated, “The number of diplomats in the Foreign Ministry who believe that state interests must never conflict with Germany’s commitment to international law is increasing.”
• Kobler also expressed concern over Germany’s isolation among EU member states due to its current stance on Israel.

Last month, 13 former ambassadors publicly called on the German government to adopt a more restrictive stance on arms exports and military cooperation with Israel. The Foreign Ministry has confirmed the existence of the chat group where diplomats express their concerns and stated that a meeting with Foreign Minister Wadephul is on the agenda.

The growing discontent within Germany’s Foreign Ministry highlights the internal divisions over the government’s Israel policy. As younger diplomats push for a more consistent and legally cautious approach, the debate over Germany’s role in the Israel-Gaza conflict continues to intensify.

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