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The withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany is being seen in Europe as a signal for a broader review of the US role in NATO. The decision, also linked to political tensions with Berlin and the conflict with Iran, has raised concerns about the weakening of the alliance and a shift in American strategic focus towards the Middle East...
Washington will withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany and cancel a planned deployment of long-range missiles, deepening European concern over its ability to deter Russia without strong US support.
For months, officials across Europe have been anticipating such a move, against the backdrop of President Donald Trump's repeated attacks on NATO and his long-standing criticism that European countries rely too heavily on American defense and do little to defend themselves.
This was before his anger at Europe's refusal to join the war against Iran.
However, the fact that the decision was expected has not lessened concern in Europe about its consequences, especially as officials fear that this could be just the beginning of a broader process. Trump has already stated that he is considering a complete US withdrawal from NATO, a step that would significantly shake up the European security architecture at a time when the continent fears potential Russian aggression.
The announcement came after Trump was angered by statements by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said Iran was humiliating the United States in negotiations and that the US president had no strategy for managing the war. Merz, a conservative who came to power last year, had tried to maintain good relations with Trump, making his criticism unusual.
Trump responded by saying that the chancellor “doesn’t know what she’s talking about.” Within days, he declared that he would consider withdrawing American troops from Germany.
According to administration officials cited by The New York Times, the partial withdrawal is intended to be seen as a form of punishment for Merz's statements and for Germany's refusal to join the US military effort. However, unlike some other European countries, Germany has not restricted the US from using its bases for attacks on Iran.
Under the Pentagon's plan, 5,000 troops will leave Germany over a period of 6 to 12 months. This represents about 14% of the approximately 36,000 US troops stationed there by the end of 2025. The US will also cancel the deployment of a new long-range missile unit, considered a key element in strengthening deterrence against Russia.
The Pentagon said the move would return the US military presence in Germany to levels before the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It was not clear whether the troops would return to the US or be relocated to other bases in Europe.
Even if the withdrawal is complete, Germany will remain one of the countries with the largest US military presence outside the US, second only to Japan. US troops are stationed at about 40 installations, including Ramstein Air Base and Stuttgart, home to US commands for Europe and Africa. Germany also hosts US nuclear weapons.
The American presence in Germany dates back to World War II and served as a counterweight to Soviet influence during the Cold War. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, troop numbers were reduced, but Germany's role remained key, both in containing Russia and as a logistical hub for American operations in the Middle East.
Trump has previously threatened to reduce the military presence in Europe. During his first term, he criticized Germany for low defense spending and announced plans to cut troops by a third, but this was later canceled by the Biden administration.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the decision was expected and stressed that the American presence is important not only for Germany but also for the United States itself. He added that Europe must take more responsibility for its own defense and mentioned plans to increase the German army to about 260,000 troops.
Other German officials were more critical. MP Peter Beyer said Trump's decisions, including the increase in tariffs on European cars, look more like political reactions than part of a sustainable strategy.
Meanwhile, Europe remains concerned that this could be part of a broader American withdrawal that would weaken NATO and embolden Russia. Countries on the alliance's eastern flank are particularly concerned.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that the greatest danger to the transatlantic community comes not from outside, but from the weakening of the alliance itself.
At the same time, the US is facing pressure from within. Congress has passed a measure that would prevent the reduction of the military presence in Europe below 76,000 troops, which could create new clashes with the Trump administration.
European governments are also concerned about delays in US arms deliveries as the war with Iran has depleted American stockpiles. Washington has warned allies such as Britain, Lithuania and Estonia of long delays in deliveries.
At the same time, the US has announced major arms deals with allies in the Middle East, including Israel, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, another possible signal of a gradual shift in strategic focus away from Europe. / Adapted from “YnetNews”
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