Germany excludes recognizing the Palestinian state in the near future
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Sunday that Germany does not plan to recognize an independent Palestinian state 'in the foreseeable future,' despite rising calls to change Berlin's stance amid the ongoing conflict of Israel in Gaza.
During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Merz emphasized that Germany believes recognition should come at the end of peace negotiations, not at the beginning. He said: "The two-state solution can only be achieved through negotiations."
Merz confirmed that the government is working "towards a new Middle East goal," where Israel is recognized and a Palestinian state can exist alongside it. He described this as providing the best opportunities for stability and peace in the region.
The German government has faced increasing criticism for its unconditional support of Israel during the conflict in Gaza. In October, nearly 200 thinkers, legal scholars, and foreign policy experts called on Berlin to reconsider its approach and make decisions based on international law instead of historical guilt.
Despite the criticisms, Merz reaffirmed Germany's commitment to a cautious policy based on negotiations, emphasizing that early recognition of the Palestinian state could undermine the peace process and that implementing agreements step by step is essential for achieving a lasting solution.