Germany walks back Palestine recognition remarks after backlash from Tel Aviv
Berlin warns Israel of growing isolation over the horrific humanitarian situation that Israel has created in Gaza
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on 1 August that Berlin has no immediate intention of recognizing a Palestinian state, during a visit to the occupied West Bank.
His remarks followed fierce backlash from Israeli officials over comments he made before his trip, in which he warned that Germany may be forced to reconsider its position if Israel continues taking unilateral steps.
Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded on X by writing, “80 years after the Holocaust, and Germany returns to supporting Nazism.”
Before departing for Tel Aviv, Wadephul warned that Israel was facing increasing diplomatic isolation amid the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza and mounting international moves to recognize a Palestinian state.
In a public statement, he said, “Israel is finding itself increasingly in the minority.”
He pointed to growing frustration within Europe, saying that “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.”
On 25 July, over 70 Israeli lawmakers, including members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, backed a non-binding resolution calling for the imposition of sovereignty over the occupied West Bank.
Wadephul restated that “the recognition of a Palestinian state should come at the end of the process,” but added that “this process must begin now,” warning that “Germany will also be forced to react to unilateral moves.”
He is set to meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, President Isaac Herzog, and Prime Minister Netanyahu, and will also hold talks with Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas in the occupied West Bank.