Ben-Gvir accuses Germany of ‘once again supporting Nazism’ as FM visits Israel

Ben-Gvir’s comments drew the condemnation of FM Gideon Sa’ar, who referred to the far-Right minister’s remarks as “unnecessary and harmful.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir accused Germany on Thursday of “once again supporting Nazism” as Berlin’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul was visiting Israel, drawing the rebuke of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

Wadephul issued a statement earlier on Thursday, saying that the recognition of a Palestinian state comes more at the end of the negotiations for a two-state solution, but that process must begin now, warning Berlin would respond to “unilateral steps.

“In light of open annexation threats from parts of the Israeli government, a growing number of countries – including many in Europe – are now prepared to recognize a Palestinian state even without a prior negotiation process. The region and the Middle East peace process are therefore at a crossroads,” the foreign minister added.”

The Israeli far-Right minister took to to X/Twitter in response, claiming that “80 years after the Holocaust, Germany is once again supporting Nazism.”

Israel’s FM says Ben-Gvir’s comments ‘unnecessary and harmful’

Ben-Gvir’s response drew the condemnation of Sa’ar, who referred to the Otzma Yehudit head’s remarks as “unnecessary and harmful.

“I strongly reject the statements of Minister Ben-Gvir regarding Germany. They are unnecessary and harmful,” Sa’ar wrote on X/Twitter. “Germany is a friendly country, and Foreign Minister Wadephul is a friend of Israel.

“This does not change even when there are differences of opinion between us,” the foreign minister added.

Reuters contributed to this report.