Berlin condemns Israel’s expansion of West Bank settlements, raising doubts over two-state solution viability.
The German Foreign Ministry has issued a sharp condemnation of the Israeli Security Cabinet’s recent decision to authorize the construction of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. The move, representing a significant escalation in settlement activity, has drawn criticism from Berlin as a blatant violation of international law and a severe impediment to a negotiated two-state solution – a long-held policy objective of the German government.
“The Federal Government’s position is very clear” a spokesperson for the ministry stated in response to inquiries from the dts news agency. “Settlement construction violates international law and we reject it unequivocally. It jeopardizes the possibility of a negotiated two-state solution”. The spokesperson emphasized the critical need to halt settlement expansion, arguing that it not only undermines the prospect of a viable Palestinian state, but also solidifies Israeli occupation, contrary to demands from the International Court of Justice.
Germany’s reiteration of its call for a complete cessation of settlement construction underscores the increasing strain on diplomatic relations. While German officials routinely advocate for the halting of such projects in public forums, the extent of the current authorization-and the rationale behind it-has provoked a particularly critical response.
The decision’s political context is further complicated by statements from Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who justified the authorization by characterizing the selected locations as “highly strategic” and framing the expansion as a preventative measure against the creation of a “Palestinian terror state”. This rhetoric, widely interpreted as a deliberate attempt to derail the prospect of a Palestinian entity, highlights the hardline ideological shift within the Israeli government and fuels concerns about the future of the peace process.
The German government’s persistent advocacy for a two-state solution and its continuous calls for Israel to cease settlement construction, demonstrate a commitment to regional stability and a desire to prevent further escalation. However, the effectiveness of these diplomatic efforts is increasingly questioned, given the continued expansion of settlements and the increasingly uncompromising stance adopted by elements within the Israeli government. The situation casts a long shadow over the potential for meaningful negotiations and raises serious questions about the long-term prospects of achieving a lasting peace in the region.
