German Jewish Leader Suggests Government Change in Israel Could Aid Ties
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, stated that a government change in Israel could improve German-Israeli relations. He criticized remarks by right-wing ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, suggesting their absence would ease joint initiatives. Schuster also believes a two-state solution is unlikely soon due to the impact of the October 7 Hamas attack, but may be possible long-term.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Josef Schuster believes a government change in Israel could improve German-Israeli relations.
- Schuster criticized remarks by ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich as unacceptable.
- He suggested removing "disruptive statements" would facilitate joint actions and peace efforts.
- Schuster doubts a two-state solution is currently feasible due to the Hamas attack's impact.
- He anticipates a two-state solution might become viable in the long term.
Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, believes a change in government following recent Israeli elections could benefit German-Israeli relations. Schuster stated in an ARD interview that certain remarks, particularly from right-wing extremist ministers, are "in no way understandable" and "in no way acceptable" to him. He specifically referenced ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, suggesting that the absence of such rhetoric from government circles would "significantly facilitate" joint actions and plans. Schuster cited peace efforts as an example of areas where this could be beneficial, noting that Germany's indirect mediation role would be easier if "disruptive statements from right-wing extremist ministers are eliminated."
Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Schuster expressed skepticism about the feasibility of a two-state solution in the short to medium term, attributing this to the deep wounds caused by the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. However, he anticipates that a solution "in this direction" might become viable in the long term.
Mentioned