Germany’s Limited Influence Over Israel’s West Bank Annexation Plans
Recent developments have underscored Germany’s limited leverage in influencing Israel’s policies regarding the annexation of the West Bank. Despite Berlin’s consistent opposition to such moves, Israel continues to pursue actions that challenge the viability of a two-state solution.
Germany’s Diplomatic Efforts
On December 6, 2025, during a visit to Jordan, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the necessity of preserving the path to Palestinian statehood. He stated, “We must keep the path to Palestinian statehood open. Therefore, there must be no annexation steps in the West Bank.” This appeal reflects Germany’s longstanding commitment to a two-state solution as the foundation for Middle East peace.
Earlier, in August 2025, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited the Israeli-occupied West Bank and met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Wadephul condemned the increasing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and reiterated Germany’s opposition to any annexation plans. He emphasized that Germany supports the right of Palestinians to have their own state at the end of a political process.
Israel’s Continued Actions
Despite Germany’s diplomatic interventions, Israel has proceeded with plans that complicate the peace process. In June 2025, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the approval of 22 new settlements in the West Bank. This decision drew criticism from the German Foreign Ministry, which labeled the expansion “unacceptable” and contrary to international law.
Furthermore, in December 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition abstained from a parliamentary vote endorsing U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. This abstention highlighted internal divisions within the Israeli government regarding the plan’s implications for Palestinian statehood.
Germany’s Limited Leverage
Germany’s historical commitment to Israel’s security, rooted in the aftermath of World War II, has often constrained its ability to exert pressure on Israeli policies. While Berlin has expressed concerns over settlement expansions and potential annexations, its influence remains limited. The German government’s internal divisions, particularly between the Chancellor’s office and ministries led by the Greens, further complicate a unified stance on imposing measures such as sanctions.
In August 2025, Germany suspended military exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza, following Israel’s security cabinet’s approval of a plan to take over Gaza City. However, this suspension was partial and temporary, reflecting the delicate balance Germany seeks to maintain between supporting Israel and advocating for Palestinian rights.
In conclusion, while Germany continues to advocate for a two-state solution and opposes unilateral annexation efforts, its capacity to influence Israel’s actions remains constrained by historical ties, internal political dynamics, and Israel’s strategic decisions.
