The Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder has voiced strong opposition to potential sanctions being considered by the European Commission against Israel concerning its military actions in the Gaza Strip.
Speaking to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, Söder, who also leads the CSU party, affirmed his unequivocal support for what he described as the region’s “only stable democracy”. He emphasized a bond of friendship between Bavaria and Israel, urging the European Commission to acknowledge this relationship. Söder stated that sanctions against Israel are fundamentally misguided and that his party would not accept such measures within Germany.
Following the commencement of Israeli ground operations in Gaza City, the European Commission is reportedly contemplating imposing sanctions. However, the level of support for these measures among EU member states remains uncertain. Within the German government, disagreements have emerged between the conservative and social democratic factions over the appropriate German stance on the issue.
Acknowledging the urgent need for improved humanitarian conditions in Gaza, Söder reiterated that a resolution to the conflict hinges on the actions of Hamas. He asserted that if the organization were to relinquish its weapons, release hostages and formally recognize the State of Israel, peace would be achievable. Conversely, he argued that a disarming of Israel would likely trigger a fresh wave of violence, highlighting the perceived existential threat facing the nation.