Muted German reaction to EU halt on payments to Israel
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has said Berlin has “taken note” of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s decision to halt EU payments to Israel over the country’s conduct in Gaza and Qatar.
The German minister, speaking alongside his Dutch counterpart in Berlin, refrained from commenting further, but only said that his government was awaiting further details on the step as promised by the EU chief.
Germany and the commission shared the common position “that Israel’s conduct of war in Gaza is unacceptable and that threats of annexation cannot remain the answer.”
It comes after von der Leyen said in the European Parliament in Strasbourg that the EU would stop all relevant payments because of Israel’s actions.
Israel criticized the decision, saying it was based in part on Hamas propaganda.
Germany is one of Israel’s most vocal backers and has been very hesitant in condemning the military’s actions in Gaza. On Tuesday, Israel hit Hamas leadership in Qatar.
