Jerusalem, Israel
The German Foreign Minister was recently in Jerusalem for official meetings with Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
Both leaders are coalition partners of Ben Gvir, who heads the far-right Otzma Yehudit Party.
Wadephul clarified that his position reflected broader European sentiment.
“In view of the open threats of annexation by some in the Israeli government, a growing number of European countries are ready to recognize a State of Palestine without previous negotiations,” he said in a statement.
Ben Gvir, along with many members of his Party, is a vocal proponent of annexing parts of the West Bank, a stance shared by several members of Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition government.
Critics say such moves would end any possibility of a two-state solution and isolate Israel further on the global stage.
The sharp rebuke by Ben Gvir signals deepening tensions between Israel and Germany over the future of the peace process and Israeli policies in the West Bank.
Wadephul’s visit included tough discussions, as Germany balances its historical responsibility toward Israel with increasing European frustration over settlement expansion and lack of progress toward peace with the Palestinians.
