Unprecedented scandal - World in shock: "The line has been crossed"

German Government Criticizes Further Annexation of the West Bank

On Wednesday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Christian Democratic Union, CDU) responded to the controversial Israeli politician’s remarks.

“The German Chancellor strongly condemns Minister Ben-Gvir’s calls, which show contempt for human beings and are contrary to international law. They are unacceptable,” a government spokesman in Berlin said. Merz is currently on vacation. 

The spokesman also criticized, on behalf of the chancellor, Israeli plans to accelerate the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Merz is following the latest developments “with great concern.”

There must be no further steps toward annexation, the spokesman added: “Israel, as the occupying power, must treat Palestinians with dignity, protect their property, and ensure public administration and humanitarian aid.”

Vice Chancellor Klingbeil: “The line has now been crossed”

Merz’s deputy, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (Social Democratic Party of Germany), had already called for consequences over the remarks on Tuesday.

“These are statements that we, as the German government, cannot accept in any way,” he told Sat.1 television.

Sanctions are being discussed at the European level, Klingbeil said, adding: “This now needs to be examined very seriously.” Germany, despite its solidarity with the State of Israel, must not remain silent. The “line has truly been crossed now.”

German Member of the European Parliament Hildegard Bentele (CDU) has also called for sanctions against Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir. She has been advocating such measures since last year, she told DW.

“A call for the elimination of individuals is unacceptable to us in Europe,” the politician stressed.

Many Countries Have Banned Ben-Gvir From Entering

In a profile, the Catholic News Agency (KNA) described Ben-Gvir as probably the “most radical figure” in the Israeli government. The national security minister is controversial because of his racist and religious fundamentalist views.

Several countries have therefore already banned him from entering their territory, including Australia, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the Netherlands.

The foreign policy spokesman for the Christian Democrats’ parliamentary group in the Bundestag, Jürgen Hardt, supports calls for European Union sanctions against Ben-Gvir.

“The EU should sanction him as a statement in support of the universal validity of human dignity and human rights,” Hardt told Politico.

He said he believes that an Israeli cabinet without Ben-Gvir would bring Europe and Israel closer together again.

Opposition Calls for Sanctions and Suspension of Arms Exports

The Greens, who are in opposition in the German Bundestag, are also calling for tough consequences.

“I urge the federal government to ban this man from entering Germany and to advocate for similar sanctions at the European level,” party leader Franziska Brantner told Politico.

Opposition politician Lea Reisner of the Left Party went further, calling on public broadcaster Deutschlandfunk for a halt to all arms exports to Israel.