BERLIN: Germany’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its support for outgoing ambassador Steffen Seibert after Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized him. The dispute followed Seibert’s social media post mentioning settler violence in the West Bank. The issue underscores ongoing tensions over Israel-Palestine reporting.
A ministry spokesperson said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called Saar Sunday night to discuss the matter. Officials confirmed the conversation “concludes the matter” and highlighted Wadephul’s close and frequent contact with his Israeli counterpart. The statement emphasizes Germany’s commitment to maintaining diplomatic ties.
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Seibert’s X post noted the death of an Israeli farmer killed near the Lebanese border and hundreds injured by Iranian strikes, alongside settler violence in Palestinian villages. Saar criticized Seibert for allegedly prioritizing Palestinian issues over condemning attacks on Israelis. He welcomed Seibert’s imminent replacement by Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, Germany’s ambassador to Russia.
Israel later clarified that the farmer was killed by misfired Israeli artillery, not Hezbollah, as initially reported. The settler violence mentioned by Seibert followed the death of a settler hit by a Palestinian driver, with police investigating whether the incident was intentional or accidental.
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Germany has historically supported Israel while also criticizing settler violence in the West Bank. The episode highlights the delicate balance Berlin maintains between backing Israel and advocating for Palestinian protections amid the regional conflict.