On Monday, a spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s decision to legalize nine illegal outposts in the occupied West Bank and turn them into new settlements.
According to Christian Wagner, Germany is “extremely concerned” about the Israeli government’s announcement about new settlement outposts that are illegal under Israeli law.
Such unilateral actions “intensify tensions between Israelis and Palestinians,” and we anticipate that these measures will not be carried out. “It is now more important than ever that talks resume,” Wagner added.
Despite being a staunch ally of Israel, Germany has gone out of its way to criticize the ongoing Israeli settlement construction, claiming that it will only complicate the so-called Middle East peace process.
On Sunday, an Israeli ministerial committee approved a plan to repeal 2005 legislation on disengagement from the northern West Bank.
The plan would allow the reconstruction of four settlements demolished by former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in 2005.
According to estimates, approximately 650,000 settlers live in 164 settlements and 116 outposts in the occupied West Bank.
All Jewish settlements in occupied territories are illegal under international law.
