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‘Deep differences’ between Israel and Germany

April 25, 2017 at 3:40 pm

Image of Dr Norbert Rottgen, Chairman of the German Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Relations on 3 May 2012 [Tim Reckmann/Wikipedia ]

Germany has “deep political differences” with Israel as a result of its ongoing conflict with the Palestinians, the Chairman of the German Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Relations, Dr Norbert Rottgen, is reported to have said.

Rottgen said the absence of any solution with the Palestinians constitutes a real long-term threat to Israel.

It is not enough for Israel to rely solely on the army to maintain its security.

German Foreign Minister, Sigmar Gabriel, is in Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today.

Gabriel said in a statement released:

With respect to the Middle East conflict, our solidarity with Israel also means working to ensure that Israel and Palestine can live side by side in dignity and peace… Only a two-state solution will be sustainable.

The minister’s spokesman Martin Schaefer said “We do not believe that the current situation is sustainable,” adding “We think it’s necessary to make another attempt to revive talks and negotiations in the framework of the Middle East process.”

Read: Corruption in Israel would abolish Germany military deal

Gabriel’s visit to Israel has been met with controversy as Netanyahu has threatened to cancel a meeting between the two officials if Gabriel meets with human rights groups including Breaking the Silence during his trip. Gabriel said this was “regrettable”.