Amid ongoing conflict in Gaza and escalating violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, Katharina Dröge, parliamentary group leader for the Green Party, has called for sanctions to be imposed on Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Dröge stated to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland that sanctions are necessary, citing the two politicians’ public calls for violence against Palestinian civilians and displacement, alongside their support for settlements in the West Bank deemed illegal under international law. She emphasized the need for a clear stance from the German government on this matter.
Both Smotrich and Ben-Gvir hold leadership positions within right-wing political parties. Slovenia recently became the first EU nation to implement entry bans against the two ministers.
Furthermore, Dröge advocated for an immediate cessation of arms exports to Israel. She argues that these exports could potentially be used in Gaza. The Green Party politician urged the German government to endorse a joint declaration from 28 nations calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, the facilitation of humanitarian aid and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Dröge expressed concern over the German government’s failure to sign the declaration, calling it a “mistake” that requires correction. She challenged Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union, to act on his stated position and support the endorsement of the document.