Former Israeli ambassador Shimon Stein has sharply criticized the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, arguing that its policies prevent a two-state solution. He is also calling upon the German federal government to take action. Speaking to the weekly journal “Die Zeit,” Stein stated that while sanctions should undoubtedly be placed on Israeli ministers, it is also crucial not to forget who their ultimate boss is. Furthermore, he demanded a ban on imported products from the West Bank, although he conceded that this is a complex policy, noting it brings “Buy not from the Jew” Nazi rhetoric to mind.
Stein assessed that following the understanding reached between the Iranian regime and the United States, Netanyahu has completely failed to achieve his war objectives. He characterized Netanyahu’s leadership as having made Israel more dependent on the whims of the American president and further isolating the country internationally. In his analysis, he described Israel’s current situation as a “disastrous strategic position” with unpredictable consequences. Stein served as the Israeli ambassador in Berlin from 2001 to 2007 and is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University.
