Following Berlin's state election, the left-wing party Die Linke emerged as the largest party with 25.7% of the vote, positioning its lead candidate Elif Eralp to seek the governing mayoralty through a majority coalition.

However, talks broke down after the Social Democrats (SPD) and Greens demanded pro-Israel pledges as a prerequisite for coalition discussions.

The proposed preconditions required Die Linke to sign an agreement declaring Israel's "right to exist" non-negotiable, rejecting general boycotts of Israel, and enabling disciplinary actions against members breaching these terms.