German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has warned the Israeli government against carrying out a Gaza-like military offensive in the West Bank, emphasizing that such actions would jeopardize Israel’s own security. Baerbock, in a meeting with Israeli counterpart Israel Katz in Tel Aviv, expressed concerns over inflammatory remarks by right-wing Israeli ministers advocating for aggressive measures in the West Bank, including the establishment of new settlements.
Baerbock stressed that supporting the Palestinian Authority and working towards a viable Palestinian state are key to enhancing Israel’s security and combating terrorism. She criticized the notion that bolstering the Palestinian Authority equates to rewarding terrorism, emphasizing the importance of reforming and strengthening Palestinian governance for long-term stability in the region.
As a representative of the EU and Germany, Baerbock highlighted the necessity of credible steps towards Palestinian statehood as a means to safeguard Israel’s security interests. By promoting diplomatic efforts and supporting the Palestinian Authority, Baerbock argued for a strategic approach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.