Germany condemns Israeli settlement plans as threat to peace, calls far-right minister’s comments ‘unacceptable
Ben Gvir’s comments, made in a podcast of a former Gaza hostage, have triggered widespread criticism in Germany, traditionally one of Israel’s staunchest international allies. — AFP pic
Summary
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir's remarks about killing people in Gaza as inhumane and violating international law.
- The comments sparked widespread criticism in Germany, with discussions on potential European sanctions against Israel.
- Germany also criticised Israeli settlement expansion plans in the West Bank, saying it threatens the two-state solution.
First Published: Wednesday, 19 Aug 2026 7:17 PM MYT
BERLIN, Aug 19 — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz today condemned remarks by Israel’s far-right national security minister that Israel should kill 30 to 40 people every night in Gaza, a government spokesman said.
“The chancellor strongly condemns the inhumane appeals made by Minister (Itamar) Ben Gvir, which violate international law,” spokesman Sebastian Hille said. “They are unacceptable.”
Ben Gvir’s comments, made in a podcast of a former Gaza hostage, have triggered widespread criticism in Germany, traditionally one of Israel’s staunchest international allies.
Lars Klingbeil, German vice chancellor and finance minister, said in a TV interview Tuesday that Ben Gvir’s comments “must have consequences”, adding that sanctions were being discussed at the European level.
Germany also condemned Israeli plans for settlement expansion in the so-called E1 area of the occupied West Bank, saying it jeopardises the prospect for a two-state solution.
“Our message is clear: there must be no further steps toward annexation in the West Bank,” said Hille.
“No formal ones, but also no political, structural, or other measures whose impact is increasingly and obviously leading toward annexation. They run counter to a two-state solution.” — AFP
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