Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir accused Germany of ‘returning to supporting Nazism’ in a social media post [Getty]
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Tel Aviv on Thursday evening, amid tensions over Berlin’s position on recognising a Palestinian state.
The visit, initiated by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, is seen as part of a diplomatic push to dissuade Germany from joining a growing list of countries that have pledged to recognise Palestinian statehood.
The meeting comes as Germany signals frustration with Israel’s stance on Gaza and the two-state solution.
Earlier on Thursday, Wadephul reiterated Germany’s support for a negotiated two-state solution, but said the process must begin now.
“Recognition of a Palestinian state should come at the end of negotiations,” he said, “but Germany will also be forced to react to unilateral moves.” He also warned that Berlin could take “unilateral steps” of its own if Israel continued to resist progress toward peace.
In response, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir accused Germany of “returning to supporting Nazism” in a social media post, referencing the Holocaust and Berlin’s growing criticism of Israel’s siege on Gaza.
His remarks followed a statement by the German government spokesperson earlier this week indicating Berlin was considering further pressure on Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In the days before the visit, Wadephul said Israel was becoming increasingly isolated diplomatically.
“In view of the open threats of annexation by some in the Israeli government, a growing number of European countries are ready to recognise a state of Palestine without previous negotiations,” he said in a statement.
A senior Israeli official told Israel Hayom daily that he would not be surprised if Germany ultimately joined other Western countries in recognising Palestine.
“Just a week ago, Britain opposed recognition, but changed its stance under pressure from public opinion and the EU,” the official said.
“Germany may follow.”
Berlin has long been one of Israel’s closest allies, but Wadephul’s latest comments reflect a growing strain.
He also urged Israel to open land crossings into Gaza, warning that airlifts, including those Germany will soon take part in, are not enough. “Only overland can aid reach the population in the necessary quantities,” he said, calling the situation in Gaza “dramatic”.
France and 14 other countries, including Canada and Australia, have already declared their intention to recognise a Palestinian state.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot wrote on Wednesday on X that his country was part of a joint appeal: “We express our determination to recognise the State of Palestine and call on others who have not yet done so to join us.”
During his trip, Wadephul is expected to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, in addition to Netanyahu and Saar.
