Blunt Talk: Israel's Settlement Policy in the Occupied West Bank
Israeli Settlement Policies Violate Global Legal Standards
Israel's decided push for further Jewish settlments in the occupied West Bank has attracted a fierce criticism from the international community, with Foreign Minister Wadephul branding the policy as a straight-up violation of global law. He warns that this illegal settlement strategy is flat-out blocking a solution for a two-state solution.
Wadephul met with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, in Berlin and voiced his concern about the mounting tension in the West Bank. He didn't mince his words when he said, "This settlement policy, in this form, is illegal under international law, and it's a fucking obstacle to reaching a resolution."
The following exchange happened during their meeting:
"We can't ignore this, even as friends," Wadephul said, making it clear that individual government members advocating for annexation of the West Bank only serves to erode trust in the Israeli government – among allies, friends, and neighbors alike.
Wadephul also emphasized the urgent need for Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, where people struggle to get food and medicine. He lamented the plight of those who walk miles to reaching aid distribution points only to return home empty-handed, or worse, don't make it back alive. "We cannot sit idly by, watching people suffer, when we can do something about it," he firmly stated.
Although Germany stands by Israel and supports its security, Wadephul made it clear that it's bound by international law. "We are friends of Israel, but we also can't ignore the international law," he asserted. "We want a prosperous future for Israel, a future where it can live peacefully among its neighbors."
Wadephul also offered diplomatic recognition for Israel from Saudi Arabia and Syria as a significant contribution to its security and stability in the entire Middle East. Moreover, Germany promised to stand by Israel against the alleged threat from Iran. "We share the belief that Iran must never possess nuclear weapons. Israel can rely on us," he reiterated.
Domestically, the Union faction in the Bundestag continues to resist a weapons embargo on Israel. However, the SPD has expressed caution, insisting the federal government must check every weapons delivery to ensure that German arms aren't used to violate international law. Meanwhile, Max Lucks of the Greens advocated restricting deliveries to prevent German weapons from being used in Gaza or the West Bank.
- Johann Wadephul, Germany
- Berlin, Germany
- Israel, Middle East Conflict
- West Bank, Gaza Strip, Diplomacy
Sources: ntv.de, lar/AFP/dpa
- Israel's settlement policy in the occupied West Bank is widely recognized as illegal under international law by various legal principles and resolutions, including Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, UN Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016), the European Union's stance, and the international community consensus.
- The international community rejects Israeli settlements as they violate established principles of international law and threaten the viability of a two-state solution.
- Germany, while supportive of Israel's security, encourages adherence to international law and promotes a peaceful future for Israel.
- The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to receive international attention, and debates over arms deliveries to Israel remain contentious in Germany's political arena.
- The Parliament resolution on the Commission communication on the future of the European Union holds a strong stance against Israel's settlement policy in the occupied West Bank, viewing it as illegal under international law.
- In the realm of general-news, the ongoing politics and discussions in Germany reveal a call for adherence to international law in relation to Israel's settlement policy in the West Bank and the provision of weapons to Israel, emphasizing the need for checks to prevent potential violations of international law.
