Israel currently finds itself in a difficult situation. The joy over the return of the 20 surviving hostages from Hamas captivity could be felt throughout the country. The fragile ceasefire has sparked hope, yet it remains uncertain whether Hamas will truly lay down its arms—and whether the war will truly come to an end. Amid this politically and security-wise challenging situation, which continues to intensify internal social tensions, Thomas Röwekamp—Chair of the Defense Committee in the German Bundestag and former Senator of the Interior of the Hanseatic City of Bremen—visited Israel and the Palestinian Territories from October 18 to 23, 2025.
The trip took him, among other places, to Tel Aviv, the Tel Nof military base, Jerusalem, and southern Israel. These various locations provided a profound insight into the security and sociopolitical challenges that Israel and the entire region continue to face nearly two years after the terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023. The extent of the devastation and the deep-seated trauma in Israel became especially palpable during the visit to the site of the Nova music festival and Kibbutz Nir Oz, accompanied by survivors of October 7, former hostages, and relatives.
Regional Dynamics
In numerous background discussions—with members of the Knesset, representatives from academia and business, diplomats, and think-tank experts—it became clear that Israel remains caught in a protracted conflict that will shape the country for years to come. Beyond the hopeful yet volatile developments in the Gaza Strip, attention also turned to the situation in Israel’s neighboring states. The role that Hezbollah in Lebanon will play remains uncertain, and the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program continues to be assessed as high.
German-Israeli Relations
Two years of war in Gaza and various regional crises have left deep marks on Israeli society. Conversations with experts revealed that dialogue between Jews and Muslims has declined sharply since the Hamas attack. Christians, too, are increasingly coming under pressure in Israel. The discussions underscored the depth of divisions within society and the immense challenges Israel faces if it succeeds in bringing about a lasting end to the war in Gaza.
German-Israeli Relations
Another key topic was German-Israeli relations. It became clear how closely the two states cooperate on matters of security and defense—even after the German government’s decision to halt deliveries of weapons connected to Gaza. Time and again, it was emphasized how much both countries can learn from one another and how much potential lies in joint economic and defense projects. Discussions with diplomats and business representatives in particular highlighted how crucial the close bilateral relationship remains—especially 60 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Dialoge and Responsibility
Thomas Röwekamp’s visit illustrated how profoundly the attack of October 7, 2023, has changed Israel—politically, socially, and in terms of security. Through his talks with policymakers, business leaders, academics, and members of civil society, it became evident that in the midst of this phase of transformation and uncertainty, dialogue remains a vital tool to counter instability and foster greater regional stability.