Israeli-German relations: where to?

Israel and Germany have special ties from 1965 when the two countries established relations. However, in recent weeks, reports coming out of Germany suggest that the country's support for Israel is wavering.

Professor Moshe Zimmerman, Director of the Richard Koebner Minerva Center for German History at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, says the Israel-Germany relationship is based on "the interests of both sides in the present and the wish of the two sides to overcome the past."

"The relationship is in the shadow of an event in history which happened before the two countries existed," he says, referring to the Holocaust in which six million Jews were murdered and as the main catalyst for the establishment of the Jewish state in 1948.

The countries have strong economic and military ties. German and Israeli intelligence agencies reportedly cooperate frequently and Germany has supplied the Israeli military with six submarines.

According to foreign and Israeli media, these submarines have nuclear capabilities. This has not been confirmed by Israel, which has never confirmed any possession of nuclear weapons.

Recent reports that Israel's hardline policy on the Palestinian issue is affecting negatively the Israel-Germany relations indicate that the thought that German support for Israel is unconditional is mistaken, observers here say.

While Germany can be considered one of Israel's greatest allies, it reserves the right to criticize Israel's policies and warn that its support might be in jeopardy.

"The commitment for Israel is part of Germany's raison d'etre, it is an extreme commitment," explains Professor Zimmerman, "the commitment will remain but you can be against the occupation and still support this commitment."

Zimmerman is referring to Israel's occupation of territories in the West Bank since the 1967 Mideast War. The large majority of the international community believes these territories should be handed over to the Palestinians in order for them to establish their own state.

The reports suggested that German chancellor Angela Merkel is increasingly frustrated with the Israeli settlement policy in the West Bank.

During Netanyahu's years, the construction in the territories has intensified. Not only are the Palestinians concerned. Merkel, members of her government and many in the international community believe Israel is creating facts on the ground that will make the creation of a Palestinian state impossible.

In Israel the reports of hiccups in the relationship were brushed away as an issue of internal politics -- Merkel dealing with opposition from within.

"Israel is trying not to understand the signals and make them into a sign of anti-Semitism," believes Zimmerman.

For Netanyahu, such reports and international criticism bolster his position in his right-wing coalition, making him look like a strong advocate for the Israeli settlement cause.

Recently, Germany has abstained on resolutions against Israel at the UN. It has also supported European economic measures against Israeli settlements.

In 2011, Germany voted in favor of a resolution against the settlements at the United Nations, a clear signal the support is not automatic.

At a press conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas last month, Merkel urged Israel to stop it's settlement activity.

These are warning signals -- not subtle hints -- Germany is giving to Israel, observers here say, adding that there are many steps the strong European country can take that will be painful to Israel -- decrease military support, ask for higher pay for the German submarines and other similar steps that could put Israel in a rough spot.

For now, the relations between the countries remain strong. Since 2008, the governments hold annual cabinet meetings together once a year. In 2014, Merkel received Israel's highest civilian award for her "unwavering commitment" to Israel.

According to Prof. Zimmerman, throughout the years, German support for Israel has been constant with minor changes due to personality changes in the governments.

However, as Israel finds itself more isolated internationally and the peace process with the Palestinians at a dead-end, support may dwindle. The warning signs are definitely there.