Emmitt Barry
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Thursday called for the immediate start of a process leading to a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, saying Berlin continues to oppose unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood–at least for now. His remarks come amid mounting international pressure on Israel following a wave of European declarations backing statehood for Palestine.
“A negotiated two-state solution remains the only path that can offer people on both sides a life in peace, security, and dignity,” Wadephul said before departing for a two-day diplomatic mission to Israel and the Palestinian territories. “For Germany, the recognition of a Palestinian state comes more at the end of that process. But such a process must begin now.”
Wadephul’s visit follows a growing movement among Western nations to recognize Palestinian statehood unilaterally at the United Nations General Assembly this September. Canada, France, Portugal, and the United Kingdom have either pledged or signaled intentions to support recognition–with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stating Wednesday that Canada “has long been committed to a two-state solution” and will vote for recognition. Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel confirmed that his country would join at least 14 other nations in recognizing a Palestinian state in the fall.
Israel’s government has condemned these moves as diplomatic rewards for Hamas terrorism. In a strongly worded statement, Israel’s Foreign Ministry called Canada’s decision “a reward for Hamas” that undermines current ceasefire talks and the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza.
Wadephul stopped short of joining the unilateral recognition camp but made clear that Germany’s patience is wearing thin. “If that process continues to be blocked, Germany must consider reacting accordingly,” he warned. “Germany will be forced to react to any unilateral steps.” Though he did not specify whether those steps might include Israeli sovereignty moves in Judea and Samaria or further Palestinian bids for international recognition, the veiled warning marked a notable shift in tone from Berlin.
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir reacted furiously to the remarks, posting on social media: “80 years after the Holocaust, and Germany is returning to supporting Nazism.”
Wadephul dismissed the comparison as inflammatory and reiterated Germany’s threefold message: that Hamas must release the remaining hostages in Gaza, including German nationals; that the Israeli government must act swiftly to address the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip; and that the international community must finally move the two-state framework beyond lip service.
Wadephul’s visit also comes in the context of a coordinated diplomatic effort among Berlin, Paris, and London. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated earlier this week that the three powers were preparing to dispatch their foreign ministers to Israel on August 7 to further pressure the Israeli government over the worsening situation in Gaza and the diplomatic fallout surrounding Palestinian statehood.
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