Merz opposes review of EU-Israel agreement despite Gaza concerns

German PM Friedrich Merz stated he is against the European Union reviewing its association agreement with Israel over alleged human rights violations in Gaza.

“Invalidating or terminating this agreement is out of the question for the federal German government,” Merz said in a speech at the Bundestag (Federal Parliament) on Tuesday.

The European Commission launched an investigation into whether Israel has violated its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. This followed demands from a majority of EU countries to review the deal amid the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

A leaked draft text reveals that Israel’s actions “may have violated” the provisions of the association agreement, a comprehensive pact in force since 2000 that covers economic cooperation, political dialogue, and trade in key sectors.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also opposed calls to suspend the agreement, arguing at a meeting with his colleagues earlier this week that the bloc “needs good relations with Israel.”

This stance puts Germany on a collision course with other EU member states, such as Spain and Ireland, which are demanding the immediate suspension of the agreement.

No immediate action is expected following the EU foreign ministers’ discussion on Israel on Monday, but the issue will likely be on the agenda for their next meeting in July.

As unanimity cannot be reached for a full suspension, legal experts suggest it may be possible to suspend the trade-related part of the agreement, which would require the support of a “qualified” majority.

Although Merz has recently criticized Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip with uncharacteristically harsh language for a German leader, Berlin remains one of the country’s most steadfast supporters.

This position was also evident after Israel launched its strikes on Iran. “There is no reason for us, and for me personally, to criticize what Israel initiated a week ago,” Merz said at an industry summit in Berlin on June 23.

Merz also called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip yesterday, stating that the people in the region, “especially women, children, and the elderly,” must be shown “humane treatment.”