In Jerusalem, Green Party leader Franziska Brantner sharply criticized the Israeli government’s settlement policy. She told “Politico” that the Israeli authorities are not simply tolerating but actively supporting the brutality of settler violence, arguing that they are trying to create new “facts” that will prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. Brantner plans to return to Israel with a delegation of her party until Wednesday to continue this scrutiny.
Brantner was particularly critical of recent decisions by segments of Israel’s security cabinet, which she says made it clear that the announced regulations are designed so “there will never be a Palestinian state”. She described the pursuit of this objective as “obvious and vehemently pursued, both legally and on the ground”.
She also highlighted uncertainty on the Palestinian side concerning Gaza and the pace at which the United States will act. “The Palestinian Authority does not receive the tax revenues it deserves and is on the brink of collapse” she said.
Brantner currently views an independent Palestinian state as unrealistic, characterizing the country as far from a viable two‑state solution. She believes only considerable pressure from the United States and Europe could make such a solution possible.
The German leader insists that Germany must apply “double pressure”. First, it should compel Hamas to lay down arms and encourage neighboring regions to constructively engage in a political resolution of the conflict. Second, Germany must urge Israel to stop settler violence in the West Bank, respect Palestinian human rights, and adhere to international resolutions.