German foreign minister says Israel should use all legal means to stop Israeli occupiers' violence

Germany’s foreign minister on Tuesday demanded a stronger stance from Tel Aviv against the Israeli occupiers' violence in the West Bank, saying Israel should use all legal means to stop these attacks.

Ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Johann Wadephul told reporters that Germany has "a very clear position" on Israeli occupiers' violence, urging Tel Aviv to confront it "more clearly, firmly, and with all legal means.”

Wadephul reiterated Berlin’s criticism of Israel’s recent moves to expand illegal settlements, plans for the de facto annexation of the West Bank, and a recently passed death penalty law that would apply exclusively to Palestinians.

“We also have a clear position on compliance with international law, which means there must be no annexation in the West Bank,” he said.

“We continue to insist that a two-state solution must be possible. But these must be done through critical, constructive dialogue with Israel,” he added.

Wadephul noted that Germany would not support calls from other EU member states to suspend the bloc’s trade deal with Israel or impose sanctions, arguing instead that critical issues should be addressed through bilateral dialogue with the Israeli government.