Germany Condemns Ben-Gvir Remarks, Warns Against West Bank Annexation

The German government has issued a sharp rebuke of Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's spokesperson calling his recent remarks "unacceptable." The comments, which reportedly advocated for the targeted killing of Palestinians in Gaza, were described as inhumane and illegal under international law.

Speaking at a government briefing in Berlin on Wednesday, spokesperson Sebastian Hille said the European Council has already made a directional decision to prepare targeted measures against radical politicians who call for violations of human dignity and international law. The matter is expected to be discussed by EU foreign ministers at an upcoming informal meeting in Ireland.

Hille also expressed deep concern over the Israeli government's latest actions in the West Bank, including a tender published for over 1,000 housing units in the E1 settlement project. The chancellor's message to Prime Minister Netanyahu is clear: there must be no further steps toward annexation, whether formal, political, or structural.

Foreign Office deputy spokesperson Martin Giese condemned the settlement tender, stating it violates international law and UN Security Council resolutions. He warned that the E1 project would effectively divide the West Bank, cut it off from East Jerusalem, and make a two-state solution impossible.

Germany also reaffirmed its strong support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its president, Tomoko Akane, following recent US sanctions against the court's leadership. Giese said the ICC has fulfilled its role in holding accountable those guilty of the most serious crimes, and Germany sees no reason to fundamentally question the institution.

Separately, the government welcomed the arrest in Croatia of a Ukrainian man wanted in connection with the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions. Justice Ministry spokesperson Nicolas Limmer said progress in the investigation is important for clarifying the attacks.