Amid ongoing conflict in Gaza and escalating violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, a prominent voice within the German Green Party is advocating for targeted sanctions against Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Katharina Dröge, parliamentary group leader for the Greens, stated that sanctions against the two politicians are warranted, citing their public calls for violence against Palestinian civilians and support for the illegal expansion of settlements in the West Bank. She emphasized the need for a clear stance from the German government on this matter.
Both Smotrich and Ben-Gvir hold leadership positions within right-wing political parties. Slovenia recently became the first EU nation to implement travel bans against the two ministers.
Dröge further called for an immediate halt to arms exports to Israel, specifically those that could be utilized in Gaza. She urged the German government to endorse a joint declaration signed by 28 nations, which calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the facilitation of humanitarian aid to the civilian population and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The Green politician expressed concern that the German government has not yet signed onto the declaration, characterizing it as a mistake that requires rectification. She referenced comments made by a leading figure within the opposition Christian Democratic Union, suggesting that a commitment to the declaration would align with expressed principles.
