Reserved Friends
Germany and Israel
Abstract
German-Israeli relations are inseparably linked to the memory of the Holocaust. Nonetheless, it has been possible over the course of several decades to build a relationship that both sides consider a friendship. It is based on common values as well as the democratic order of both states and embraces a readiness to demonstrate political solidarity with the partner. However, the substance and scope of this solidarity are unclear. Most recently, the distance between Israel and Germany has been growing. The causes are political differences, varying interests, and conflicting values. Conflicts persist over the two-state solution, settlement construction, the Iranian nuclear program, as well as the illiberal tendencies on display under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
(Special Issue, S. 177–194)