Overview

• On July 24, 2025, former Federal President Joachim Gauck criticized the Israeli government’s Gaza strikes on ZDF’s Markus Lanz, calling the operations disproportionate and irresponsible.
• He affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself after the October 7 Hamas attacks but insisted that self-defense must respect humanitarian and proportionality norms.
• Gauck said Germany should remain the last country to abandon solidarity with Israel, stressing that such solidarity does not require silence on actions he viewed as unjustified.
• Visibly moved to tears, he spoke of deep sadness over civilian suffering and said he was completely appalled by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s conduct in Gaza.
• His intervention marks a shift in German public debate over Israel policy as calls grow to review arms exports and revive stalled ceasefire efforts.