2024-03-17 22:47:44
The Chancellor traveled to Jordan and Israel for difficult talks. As he tries to convince Prime Minister Netanyahu to de-escalate the Gaza Strip, he is sending a second important message.
Olaf Scholz stands in front of a large window and stares intently at the floor. On Saturday afternoon, a few minutes before departure for his trip to Jordan and Israel, the Chancellor made a press statement at the military part of the airport in Berlin Brandenburg.
A journalist has just asked whether he has any hope that a military operation by the Israeli army in Rafah, in the north of the Gaza Strip, can still be prevented. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has just given his approval to the offensive. There is a risk of devastating humanitarian consequences for the local civilian population. Scholz himself speaks of a “great human misfortune.”
The chances of changing Netanyahu’s mind? Not standing very well. Scholz still wants to try it. After a moment of reflection, he tells the press: “It would be important that an agreement is reached very quickly about a ceasefire that would allow the hostages to be released and at the same time allow humanitarian aid to come to Gaza.”
He pauses for a moment, says, as always, “Thank you very much” – and leaves. He has the pressure on the upcoming talks in mind.
The tone needs to be significantly harder
It is a difficult and at the same time important journey for the Chancellor. The talks in Israel in particular are a balancing act. As with his first visit, shortly after the cruel attack by Hamas on October 7th last year, he wants to make it clear this time that Germany is on Israel’s side. Nevertheless, the tone has to be significantly harder than last time. Because one thing is clear: Netanyahu must also adhere to international law.
The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has become increasingly worse in recent weeks, and criticism of the prime minister has become louder. Even the USA, which along with Germany was one of Israel’s last supporters, toughened the tone. The majority leader of the Democrats in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, clearly criticized Netanyahu in his last speech and called for new elections. President Biden said afterwards that Schumer reflected the views of many Americans. Scholz is now following suit, minus ten percent, i.e. in a milder version.
But are words enough to dissuade Israel from a military offensive in Rafah? Or, at best, to convince Netanyahu of a ceasefire for further aid deliveries? What influence does Olaf Scholz really have during his visit to Israel?
Suddenly Netanyahu canceled their joint appearance
“It is very clear that we now have to do everything we can to ensure that the situation does not become even worse than it is,” emphasized Scholz on Sunday in Accaba before his onward journey to Israel. The country has every right to defend itself against Hamas attacks. At the same time, it should not happen that those who fled to Rafah in Gaza are directly threatened by Israeli military operations, said Scholz. The Chancellor wants to try to persuade Prime Minister Netanyahu to de-escalate.
The truth is: For Netanyahu, what the Chancellor says during his visit does not play a decisive role. Especially since there are no consequences attached.
The importance the Prime Minister attaches to the Chancellor’s messages became clear even before the two spoke: that morning, Netanyahu’s office quickly canceled the planned press statement. Due to time constraints. Only because the German side puts pressure on them again and explains how important a joint appearance is does the statement take place.
An important sign – not just to Israel
When the two heads of government appeared before the press in the early evening, the mood was particularly tense for one of them: Scholz. The Chancellor narrows his eyes slightly as Netanyahu assures us that the Israeli army has done more to prevent civilian casualties in Gaza than any other army in recent history. “We are also doing an unusually great deal to increase humanitarian aid on site,” Netanyahu continued. This applies to sea, air and land transport. Responsibility for the victims and the crisis situation on site lies solely with Hamas, the prime minister emphasizes once again and finally says: “We have also agreed that Hamas must be eliminated.” Only when that has happened can other things be discussed, said the Prime Minister. This probably also means a two-state solution.