German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (GPO)
The remarks come as several Western nations, including Australia, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, have recently signaled their readiness to recognize a Palestinian state under certain conditions.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
Germany has ruled out recognizing a Palestinian state at this time, arguing it prefers the diplomatic route rather than unilateral recognition.
A government spokesman told reporters on Friday that Berlin remains committed to diplomacy, not unilateral recognition. “A negotiated two-state solution remains our goal, even if it seems a long way off today. … The recognition of Palestine is more likely to come at the end of such a process and such decisions would now be rather counterproductive,” the spokesman said.
The remarks come as several Western nations, including Australia, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, have recently signaled their readiness to recognize a Palestinian state under certain conditions.
These announcements have added pressure on Israel as international criticism grows over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
On July 31, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul echoed the same position, saying recognition “comes more at the end of the negotiations for a two-state solution,” though he stressed that “the process must begin now.” He also warned Berlin would respond to “unilateral steps.”
Wadephul’s statement was made before traveling to Israel on a trip billed as a fact-finding mission, reflecting Berlin’s concern over conditions in Gaza.
His comments represented one of Germany’s strongest signals yet to Israel, even as Berlin has historically been a close ally of Jerusalem.
Germany’s position sets it apart from other Western governments that are moving toward recognition, underscoring Berlin’s view that premature recognition risks weakening future negotiations rather than advancing them.
Earlier this month, Germany announced it will halt arms sales to Israel that could be used in Gaza, breaking with its longtime ally as Israel’s cabinet approved plans to capture Gaza City after 22 months of fighting Hamas.
The move drew sharp criticism from European and Arab governments, who said the escalation would worsen an already dire humanitarian situation.
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