Germany cancels 60th anniversary of 'Israel' ties event amid Gaza war

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
12 Dec 2024 13:26
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The decision to scale back commemorations has been communicated to "Israel" by Germany's Foreign Ministry coordinator for the 60th anniversary in a brief message that offered no explanation.

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Chancellor Olaf Scholz shakes hands after delivering their speeches in occupied al-Quds, on March 17, 2024. (AP)

Germany has announced the cancellation of a planned joint Israeli-German pavilion at the Frankfurt Book Fair, which was originally designed to commemorate 60 years of diplomatic Israeli-German ties.

The decision to scale back commemorations was communicated to "Israel" by Yoel Pollak, Germany's Foreign Ministry coordinator for the 60th anniversary, in a brief message that offered no explanation. Senior Israeli officials expressed frustration, pointing to "delays, difficulties, and foot-dragging" by Germany’s Foreign Ministry in advancing projects for the anniversary.

Unlike previous milestones, such as the 50th and 55th anniversaries, Germany has not allocated a specific budget for this year’s commemoration, raising doubts about the viability of significant initiatives.

Why it matters

"Israel" places high strategic value on its relationship with Germany due to their shared and complex history. Past anniversaries have been marked with collaborative and celebratory events, but the current war in "Israel" appears to have affected Germany's engagement.

Israeli Foreign Ministry officials are in discussions with their German counterparts to secure support for planned activities and have expressed their dissatisfaction to the German Embassy in Tel Aviv.

The decision comes amid reports of strained security relations between the two sides. In September, Germany’s Bild newspaper revealed that Berlin had denied multiple Israeli requests for arms purchases while approving over €100 million worth of heavy weapon sales to Qatar. Bild hinted that Germany was enforcing a “quiet embargo” on "Israel".

The same report added that "Israel" had sought to procure thousands of tank shells and other munitions last year. Meanwhile, the Israeli entity considers the acquisition of specific military equipment critical, as per the newspaper.