Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) sharply condemned the remarks of the far-right police minister. “Mr. Ben-Gvir’s statements are unspeakable and completely unacceptable,” he said during a visit to Bern. He announced that possible consequences would now be discussed within the European Union.
Ben-Gvir had called for the targeted killing of 30 to 40 people daily in Gaza. He was not referring only to militants. The EU has been discussing sanctions such as entry bans or asset freezes for some time, but a decision requires unanimity.
Germany had previously rejected such measures. As recently as June, Wadephul said he saw no reason for further punitive measures. After the latest remarks, the tone is changing: Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD) called for sanctions to be examined “very seriously.” Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) had the remarks criticized via a spokesman without committing himself.
Wadephul also criticized a tender for a settlement project in the West Bank. The construction of more than 1,200 housing units in the E1 area would effectively divide the territory and make a two-state solution impossible. The German government rejects this step as a violation of international law.
Source: www.tagesspiegel.de
