Former Israeli Ambassador Urges Germany to Act Tougher on Netanyahu Government

Shimon Stein, who served as Israel's ambassador to Germany for eight years, is calling on the German government to take a more decisive approach toward Benjamin Netanyahu's administration. Stein believes that Germany's foreign minister should not merely express expectations but also impose consequences when Israel fails to adhere to agreements.

"Germany could advocate for sanctions against the far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir – as well as for measures against goods from the settlements in the West Bank," Stein told the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND). He expressed that Germany has been too hesitant regarding settlement construction in the West Bank, emphasizing the need to prevent Israel from creating faits accomplis through continued settlement expansion that would render a political solution impossible.

Stein suggested that Germany's focus on the two-state solution might be too rigid. "This should and must remain the distant goal. Germany can also be open to other models, an Israeli-Palestinian confederation, for example," he proposed. He stressed that the "ongoing annexation, which is happening today," must be halted. Stein advised that "before the election – or immediately after – Germany should clearly and unequivocally articulate its expectations for the government."

Regarding Gaza, Stein finds the German government's approach appropriate, stating, "Hamas cannot be part of Gaza's future – and there can be no return to the situation before October 7."