Germany: Recognizing Palestinian state now would send wrong signal

Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Thursday voiced strong opposition to unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, warning it would be “the wrong signal” at this stage, even as several European nations move forward with the step.

Speaking at a press conference in Berlin alongside "Israeli" Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Wadephul reaffirmed Germany’s long-standing support for a two-state solution. However, he emphasized that such an outcome must come through direct negotiations between "Israelis" and Palestinians.

"Negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians must be concluded" before recognition, Wadephul said.

His remarks come amid a wave of diplomatic moves in Europe. Last year, Spain, Ireland, and Norway formally recognized a Palestinian state. French President Emmanuel Macron has also signaled France may follow suit as early as June — prompting harsh condemnation from "Israel", which accused Macron of launching a “crusade against the Jewish state.”

Germany, historically one of "Israel’s" closest allies due to its responsibility for the Holocaust, has maintained arms sales and political backing for "Israel". But recent comments from Wadephul suggest a more critical stance is emerging, particularly over "Israel’s" handling of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Wadephul said “too little” assistance was reaching civilians in the besieged enclave, where the United Nations has warned of looming famine. He said he had repeated to Saar Germany’s “urgent request to allow humanitarian aid to Gaza” in line with international humanitarian law.

Despite these concerns, Wadephul maintained Berlin’s continued military support for "Israel". “Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas and other enemies,” he said, adding, “therefore Germany will of course continue to support Israel with arms deliveries, that was never in doubt.”

However, he also acknowledged that Berlin is reassessing its arms exports. Last week, he stated that Germany was reviewing “whether what is happening in Gaza is in line with international law,” which would influence future weapons sales — a stance that drew criticism from some within his own conservative CDU/CSU alliance, who argued he was wavering in support of "Israel".

On the broader regional situation, Wadephul also expressed alarm over rising tensions in the occupied West Bank, denouncing "Israel’s" settlement expansion there.

"This settlement policy in this form is contrary to international law, it literally blocks the possibility of a two-state solution," he said.

His comments follow "Israel’s" recent announcement of 22 new settlements and a pledge by Defense Minister Israel Katz to solidify “a Jewish Israeli state” in the West Bank.

In his remarks earlier on Thursday at Berlin’s Holocaust memorial, "Israeli" Foreign Minister Saar said "Israel" is “surrounded by enemies seeking its elimination” and drew a controversial comparison between Hamas and the Nazis, saying “the only difference between Hamas and the Nazis was their capabilities.”

Saar rejected any prospect of Palestinian statehood at this time, warning it would be a reward for Hamas.

"A Palestinian state would mean the biggest prize is being offered to the murderers, establishing a new terrorist state in the heart of our homeland," he said.

Saar, while placing blame entirely on Hamas, appealed for German backing.

“Only Hamas is responsible for the suffering on both sides,” he said. “We need Germany’s support today in these difficult hours.”