Franziska Brantner, chair of Germany’s Greens, sharply criticized the Israeli government for its settlement policy. “It is clear that the Israeli government is trying to fabricate facts by not only allowing brutal settler violence but also supporting it” she told Politico in Jerusalem. Brantner plans to travel through Israel with a delegation of her party until Wednesday.
She expressed particular concern about recent decisions taken by Israel’s security cabinet. “At least part of the cabinet has made it clear that the goal of the announced regulations is that there will never be a Palestinian state” she said. “That goal is apparently pursued with great zeal, both legally and in the on‑the‑ground presence”.
At the same time, Brantner highlighted the uncertainty on the Palestinian side regarding Gaza and the pace at which the United States is proceeding. “The Palestinian Authority is not receiving the tax revenues it is entitled to and is on the brink of collapse” she criticized.
Currently, Brantner considers an independent Palestinian state unrealistic. “The country is still very far from a two‑state solution” she said. According to her, such a settlement would only be possible if the United States and Europe exert appropriate pressure.
Brantner called for Germany to apply “double pressure” in this context. First, pressure on Hamas to lay down arms, and on neighboring regions to constructively participate in a political solution to the conflict. Second, pressure on Israel to stop settler violence in the West Bank, to respect Palestinian human rights, and to comply with resolutions adopted by international bodies.
