Germany opens the door to recognizing Palestinian statehood

Japan Times

4 days ago

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul signaled his government could speed up the process of recognizing a Palestinian state should Israel annex the West Bank.
Ahead of a two-day trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories, Wadephul said his government won't deviate from its goal of a two-state solution, adding that "for Germany, the recognition of a Palestinian state is rather the end of the process. But such a process must begin now.'
As other European governments are hardening their position on Israel with respect to the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, Germany, too, is under growing pressure despite its traditionally close alliance with the Jewish state. There's been a groundswell within Europe and beyond, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the crisis.
After a meeting of Germany's security cabinet on Monday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Israel to immediately alleviate the "catastrophic' humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Merz added that his government was considering potential further steps should the situation not improve, although he didn't elaborate on what they were.
While both French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have said this month that their governments could recognize a Palestinian state, Merz made clear that recognition of Palestinian sovereignty can only be among the last steps toward a comprehensive agreement.
Wadephul's two-day trip to Israel and the West Bank will play a central role in a possible reevaluation of Germany's Middle East policy, Merz made clear. Germany's top diplomat will talk to his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar later on Thursday and meet with the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah on Friday.
Wadephul may also meet Netanyahu, a German official said under the condition of anonymity.
"Germany is convinced that a negotiated two-state solution remains the only sustainable solution to the conflict,' Wadephul said before his departure. But after the Knesset voted for an annexation of the West Bank, Germany is increasingly concerned that this would also mean the end of the two-state solution.
Wadephul's report may influence the decision whether Germany agrees to sanctions against Israel, which might include curbs on weapon deliveries.
Separately, the European Union is debating whether it should suspend all or parts or its association agreement with Israel — which governs their trade relations — over the humanitarian situation. Countries including Sweden, Spain and Ireland have called for its suspension.
The EU is Israel's largest trading partner, with the two exchanging $47 billion of goods last year, according to the International Monetary Fund. A change in trade policy would have a palpable impact on the Jewish state's economy, which is already under strain because of the war.