The Bavarian State Premier, Markus Söder, has voiced strong opposition to potential sanctions being considered by the European Commission against Israel in response to its military operations in the Gaza Strip.
Speaking to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, Söder, who also leads the CSU party, emphasized a clear commitment to what he described as the region’s “only stable democracy”. He underscored a sense of longstanding friendship and urged the EU Commission to reassess its approach, stating that sanctions against Israel were “fundamentally wrong” and would not be accepted by the CSU within Germany.
The potential EU sanctions follow the commencement of a ground offensive by Israeli forces in Gaza City. The level of support for such measures among EU member states remains uncertain and the issue has sparked internal debate within the German government, particularly between the CDU/CSU and the SPD.
Acknowledging the need for improved humanitarian conditions in Gaza, Söder reiterated that a lasting resolution hinged on the actions of Hamas. He argued that if Hamas were to relinquish its weaponry, release hostages and formally recognize the State of Israel, peace would be achieved. Conversely, he stated, if Israel were to disarm, it would likely face renewed violence and remains currently threatened in its existence.
