Several prominent members of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) have voiced opposition to the formal recognition of Palestine. Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul of the CDU stated that such recognition should only occur at the conclusion of a process where both Israel and Palestine mutually recognize each other, in response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s declaration of intent to recognize a Palestinian state as early as September.
Wadephul indicated that while there is a divergence in approach with the French government, it’s not a point of significant conflict and is “really not problematic”. He emphasized the urgent need to improve the dire situation in Gaza, a view shared by Germany, France and other European partners. Wadephul described the humanitarian situation as “completely unacceptable” noting Israel bears a central responsibility ensuring aid reaches those in need. While acknowledging the justification for the fight against Hamas, he stressed the suffering now caused by the conflict necessitates discussions previously avoided.
CDU parliamentary group leader Armin Laschet was notably more critical, describing Macron’s planned recognition as “the wrong approach in terms of both form and timing”. He suggested the French initiative would “fall on deaf ears” as it lacks concrete steps towards peace in the Middle East, asserting it will not end the ongoing conflict and isn’s likely to succeed without US involvement. Laschet further criticized that France’s actions have disrupted transatlantic cooperation and weakened common European foreign policy.
Laschet argued that France’s unilateral action highlights the lack of a unified voice within the European Union, preventing Europe from presenting a united front on the global stage. He added that Hamas is currently celebrating the move. Hamas has already suspended negotiations concerning hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza, leading to the departure of the US delegation. He expressed bewilderment that a potential recognition could be perceived as a “reward” at such a critical juncture. He suggested it would have been more strategic to link recognition to conditions, creating leverage to pressure Hamas towards a ceasefire and disarmament.
Instead, Hamas now feels strengthened. Laschet warned of the need to clarify the structure of any potential Palestinian state, questioning whether it would be “authoritarian, controlled by the Muslim Brotherhood or Hamas? A state where civil, women’s or minority rights are nonexistent? Or a state with peaceful, democratic structures willing to cooperate regionally and achieve peace with Israel?
CDU/CSU’s spokesperson for foreign policy in the Bundestag, Jürgen Hardt, deemed France’s move counterproductive. He argued recognition of Palestine as an independent state should be a final step in the peace process, also encompassing the clarification of Jerusalem’s legal status and constitutional questions. Hardt maintained that recognition would not advance the goal of two democratic states – a democratic, Jewish State of Israel and a Palestinian-democratic state – that mutually respect each other, instead representing a purely symbolic gesture likely to be perceived as a provocation within Israel.