Germany denies disillusionment with Israel over Netanyahu

Berlin officials have insisted that Germany's support for Israel remains unconditional and unwavering, despite claims by a leading Social Democrat (SPD) that prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu is "exploiting" German friendship.

Rolf Mutzenich, a leading member of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s junior coalition partner, said frustrations were growing in Berlin at the policies of the Israeli leader, in particular ongoing construction of Israeli settlements in contravention of international law.

"The perception has been growing in the German government that Netanyahu is exploiting our friendship," said Mr Mutzenich to Der Spiegel.

Responding to the remark, German officials denied German Middle-East policy had changed and said Dr Merkel’s support for Israel remained unwavering, despite regularly vented frustrations with the Israeli prime minister.

But Der Spiegel said there was a growing disillusionment in the SPD-controlled foreign ministry towards Israel in general, and the prime minister in particular. Many senior officials were "wondering if Germany sent the wrong signals in the past", in particular whether it was helpful for Berlin to maintain its automatic support for Israel, arising from the Holocaust, regardless of its policies.

While Dr Merkel has, like all her predecessors, made clear Germany stands by Israel and will act to defend its security, doubts towards the Israeli government are not confined to the SPD.

“Israel’s current policies are not contributing to the country remaining Jewish and democratic,” said Norbert Röttegen, a member of the CDU and chair of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee. “We must express this concern more clearly to Israel.”

Israeli officials have noted a shift in German attitudes to Israel, particularly since Berlin backed a January 2016 United Nations resolution criticising settlement construction.

Despite an intervention from Mr Netanyahu, foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier backed the resolution. According to Der Spiegel, the Merkel administration has "lost hope that the peace process can be revived so long as Netanyahu remains in office".

A senior Israeli official insisted ties with Berlin "are, and will continue to be, close and good". But Israeli officials took note of the warm welcome given to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Berlin two weeks ago. During a joint press appearance, Dr Merkel said she understood "why President Abbas continually seeks out the Security Council".