Harsh Reaction from German Chancellor Merz to Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's calls to Gaza with harsh words. The Berlin administration described Ben-Gvir's statements as inhumane and contrary to international law.

German Deputy Government Spokesperson Sebastian Hille evaluated the statements of Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir regarding Gaza at a press conference in Berlin.

Regarding Ben-Gvir's call that "30-40 attacks should be carried out on Gaza every night", Hille said, "Prime Minister Merz strongly condemns Ben-Gvir's inhumane and unlawful calls. These are unacceptable." he said.

Hille reminded that at the last European Council meeting, it was decided to prepare targeted measures against radical politicians who advocate actions against human dignity and international law.

Stating that this issue will be discussed at the Gymnich meeting of foreign ministers, Hille stated that Europe is preparing to develop a common attitude against these calls.

Stating that the Israeli government's latest steps in the West Bank are followed with great concern by Merz, Hille said that Berlin has expressed its discomfort on this issue many times before.

Hille conveyed Merz's message with the following statements:

"No further annexation steps should be taken in the West Bank. Neither official steps nor political, administrative or other measures whose effects are increasingly clearly resulting in annexation. These constitute an obstacle to the two-state solution."

Hille emphasized that Prime Minister Merz's expectation from Israel is to treat Palestinians humanely, protect their property, and provide public services and humanitarian aid.