The Washington Post has highlighted an increasingly rare yet sharp rebuke from Germany directed at the Israeli occupation, underscoring Europe’s growing willingness to apply pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu’s government over its ongoing siege and bombardment of Gaza. The developments suggest a real test of how far Israel’s most powerful Western allies are willing to go.
Following a deadly Israeli airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the targeting of civilians, stating it could “no longer be justified in the name of fighting Hamas terrorism.” His statement marked a significant departure from Germany’s traditionally unwavering support for Israel during times of war.
Merz further warned Tel Aviv against crossing lines that even its closest allies will no longer accept.
At the same time, the European Union has initiated a review of its trade relations with Israel—a move led by the Netherlands, long considered a staunch Israeli ally. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, herself known for her pro-Israel stance, described Israel’s expanded assault on Gaza as “disgraceful.“
Growing Discontent in Europe
Some EU member states are now calling for a complete suspension of trade relations with Israel. Others seek to distance themselves from the horrific images emerging from Gaza. However, despite the rhetoric, the collective EU response has not yet translated into firm action. Officials admit that issuing punitive measures will be far more difficult and could expose deep divisions within the 27-member bloc.
This growing frustration in Europe stands in stark contrast to the unwavering support from the Trump administration, which continues to defend Israel’s actions. The divergence in approach has driven both the EU and the UK to occasionally chart their own course on matters of security and trade.
A European official speaking anonymously stated that while the EU regularly consults the U.S. on decisions related to Israel, the two sides are no longer aligned in their strategies.
The U.S. State Department dismissed European condemnations as “performative,” calling Britain’s recent decision to suspend trade talks with Israel “deeply disappointing.”
In response to French efforts to recognise a Palestinian state, Netanyahu accused Paris, Canada, and others of seeking to “reward murderers with the grand prize.”
From Discontent to Policy Shifts
While previous attempts to reassess EU-Israel relations failed, the latest effort enjoys widespread support across member states. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, whose country has been a leading critic of Israel’s war on Gaza, noted that two things changed European minds:
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- The unprecedented scale of Israeli violence
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- The sheer inhumanity—starving civilians, and images of children dying
He added that Israel is clearly unwilling to pursue diplomacy, worsening the perception among European governments.
According to Nathalie Tocci, former EU foreign policy adviser, the situation in Gaza—including mass civilian deaths, starvation, and Israel’s open intent to reoccupy Gaza—has become “so extreme that even pro-Israel European leaders can no longer ignore or justify it.”
Israel Losing Support
Calls from Israeli officials to forcibly expel Palestinians from Gaza, along with plans by Netanyahu’s government to impose indefinite control over much of the territory, have triggered disgust even among long-standing European allies.
One senior EU diplomat, speaking anonymously, stated:
“We’re seeing unbearable images from Gaza daily. We’ve reached the limit. This is not just individual frustration—it reflects a growing sentiment across Europe.”
Despite spending hundreds of millions in humanitarian aid to Gaza, much of which Israel has blocked since March, Europe has been sidelined. Aid trucks remain stuck at borders while famine looms, according to global hunger watchdogs.
EU officials also criticised Israel’s bypassing of the UN and distributing aid through a private organisation linked to Israeli and U.S. governments. Humanitarian staff described it as a form of population control. The chaotic start of this system included Israeli gunfire, dozens injured, and images of desperate Palestinians trapped behind barbed wire.
“Humanitarian aid cannot be used as a weapon,” said EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, affirming that Europe will not legitimise Israel’s attempt to privatise aid distribution.
Europe Holds Economic Leverage — But Will It Use It?
While the U.S. remains Israel’s largest military backer, the European Union is Israel’s top trading partner, and Germany is its second-largest arms supplier.
Germany’s Merz acknowledged that historical guilt surrounding the Holocaust has made his country more cautious. But even that line is thinning. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadewald said Berlin would not be “forced into unconditional solidarity”, hinting at potential weapons restrictions due to Israel’s human rights violations.
Meanwhile, France is seriously considering recognising Palestine, and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for suspending EU–Israel relations and imposing an arms embargo. The UK, too, imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers and joined others in warning Tel Aviv to halt its Gaza offensive.
A second EU diplomat confirmed that Israel is feeling the pressure, evidenced by its aggressive lobbying against the EU trade review. Israel’s Foreign Ministry criticised the review, calling it “a fundamental misunderstanding of the region’s complex reality.”
This review could determine whether Israel’s human rights abuses constitute a violation of its agreement with the EU. If found in breach, it could force EU leaders to adopt harsher measures, with a decision expected next month.
“Even if we don’t have full consensus, the rising pressure from our citizens is undeniable,” the diplomat stated.
Internal EU Divisions and Genocide Accusations
While some countries like Hungary back Israel, others, such as Ireland and Belgium, have taken stronger stances. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot even said:
“This is beginning to look a lot like genocide. What more horrors must unfold before we call it what it is?”
Despite the tough talk, most EU countries continue military and economic cooperation with Israel, seeing it as a strategic partner in the Middle East. Last week, after an EU diplomatic delegation was fired upon by Israeli forces in the West Bank, leaders called for investigations—yet no action followed.
An internal EU staff group calling themselves “Employees for Peace” welcomed the trade agreement review but criticised EU leaders for issuing empty statements:
“This long-overdue move comes too late—thousands in Gaza have already been killed.”
