Germany’s new foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, renewed his country’s dedication to Israeli security in his first diplomatic visit since taking office, but also expressed his doubt over the country’s increasing attacks on besieged Gaza.
At a meeting with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar in Jerusalem, Wadephul urged the Israeli government to re-engage in negotiations on a ceasefire deal with the Palestinian Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip.
In view of the renewed intensification of Israel’s military action since March, Wadephul said: “I am not sure whether all of Israel’s strategic goals can be achieved in this way, whether this will serve Israel’s security in the long term.”
Addressing Saar, Wadephul said: “That is why we are appealing for a return to serious negotiations on a ceasefire. A ceasefire that also paves the way for permanent supplies for the people in Gaza.”
The meeting comes as Israel faces accusations of genocide in Gaza and starving Palestinians by blocking humanitarian supplies into the besieged area, where some 2 million people live.
Wadephul added noted that no aid has been arriving in Gaza for 70 days and the humanitarian situation was worsening every day.
Meeting with Netanyahu
Wadephul also met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time since taking office. During a meeting with other representatives of both countries in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said that Israel and Germany had “excellent relations” and that they wanted to continue these.
“We have many common interests, many common values and many common challenges,” said Netanyahu. Wadephul thanked Netanyahu for the reception and both shook hands with a friendly smile in front of media.
Wadephul’s relationship to Netanyahu is expected to be less strained than that of his predecessor, Annalena Baerbock, who had clashed with Israel over its blockade of aid to Gaza.
The visit to Israel takes place against the backdrop of celebrations marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel.
Following his arrival in the country on Saturday, Wadephul met with relatives of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. According to the latest information from Netanyahu, 21 hostages are still alive in the Gaza Strip.
Early on Sunday, he was given a demonstration of the Israeli Arrow 3 air defence system, which Germany is also set to deploy. The system can destroy approaching missiles at altitudes beyond 100 kilometres.
The German Air Force is due to achieve operational readiness this year with the system, which is being deployed at three sites in Germany.
Conditions for a peace solution made clear
Wadephul clearly articulated the position of Germany’s new government, emphasizing its commitment to a peaceful resolution between Israel and the Palestinians.
He stressed that the reconstruction of Gaza must be tied to a political solution – one that excludes Hamas and ensures the group can no longer threaten Israel.
In this context, Wadephul described the Arab reconstruction plan, which envisions a strong role for the Palestinian Authority (PA), as a promising foundation.
At the same time, he underscored that the Gaza Strip must remain an integral part of the Palestinian territories, noting that any Israeli military presence in Gaza should be temporary, a view he said was widely shared.
These remarks come amid concerns that Israel may seek a permanent occupation of Gaza or the displacement of its Palestinian population.
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently threatened to destroy the Gaza Strip and expel its inhabitants.
Two-state solution: ‘Best chance for peace’
Wadephul spoke out in favour of a two-state solution as the “best chance for a life in peace, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
He warned that this should not be obstructed “either by pushing ahead with settlement construction in violation of international law or by prematurely recognising a Palestinian state.”
The two-state solution refers to an independent Palestinian state that exists peacefully side by side with Israel. Both Netanyahu and Hamas reject this solution.
Wadephul later met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa in Ramallah in the West Bank, announcing Germany would provide an additional €30 million ($33.8 million) in humanitarian aid for the Palestinian civilian population enduring bombardment and an aid blockade.
This brings German aid to a total of €333 million ($375 million) since October, according to official figures.
Johann Wadephul (L), German Foreign Minister, takes part in a press conference alongside Gideon Sa’ar, Foreign Minister of Israel, after talks at the Foreign Ministry. Wadephul is on his two-day inaugural visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories. Michael Kappeler/dpa
Johann Wadephul (L), Foreign Minister, stands next to Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, after a meeting at the head of government’s official residence. Wadephul is on his two-day inaugural visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories. Michael Kappeler/dpa
