Germany signals it may accelerate recognition of Palestinian state If Israel annexes West Bank

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has indicated that Berlin may expedite recognition of a Palestinian state should Israel move forward with annexing the West Bank, marking a potential shift in Germany’s longstanding Middle East policy.

Speaking ahead of a two-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, Wadephul reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to a two-state solution, stating, “For Germany, recognition of a Palestinian state is typically considered the conclusion of a broader process. But such a process must begin now.”

The remarks come as European nations harden their positions toward Israel in response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Germany, despite its historically close ties with the Jewish state, faces mounting international and domestic pressure to respond more assertively. That pressure intensified following a meeting of Germany’s security cabinet on July 28, where Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Israel to immediately alleviate the “catastrophic” humanitarian situation in Gaza. Merz also warned that Berlin was weighing further measures should conditions fail to improve, though he did not specify what those steps might entail.

Wadephul’s visit to the region is being closely watched and may prove pivotal in determining whether Germany reconsiders aspects of its Middle East approach. He is expected to meet Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in Jerusalem on July 31, followed by talks with Palestinian Authority officials in Ramallah on August 1. A meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also under discussion, according to a German official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“Germany remains convinced that a negotiated two-state solution is the only viable path to a lasting peace,” Wadephul said prior to his departure. However, he acknowledged growing concern within the German government that recent developments in the Knesset — particularly a vote endorsing annexation of parts of the West Bank — could signal the collapse of the two-state framework.

Chancellor Merz has been clear that, while Germany is not ruling out eventual recognition of a Palestinian state, such recognition must come as part of a comprehensive peace agreement. This contrasts with recent statements from other European leaders: both French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have said their governments could recognise Palestinian sovereignty unilaterally.

Germany’s reassessment of its position may extend beyond diplomatic recognition. Wadephul’s findings from the trip are expected to inform the government’s deliberations over whether to support sanctions against Israel, which could potentially include restrictions on arms exports.

Meanwhile, the European Union is actively debating whether to suspend all or parts of its Association Agreement with Israel — a treaty that governs bilateral trade and cooperation. Countries such as Sweden, Spain, and Ireland have publicly called for its suspension in light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The EU remains Israel’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods reaching $47 billion in 2024, according to the International Monetary Fund. Any changes to trade policy could significantly impact Israel’s economy, which is already under substantial strain as the war continues.

By Tamilla Hasanova