Germany rebukes Turkish foreign minister’s ‘unacceptable’ comments about Israel

Germany has publicly condemned statements made by Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan regarding Israel, following pressure from Israeli counterpart Israel Katz. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticised Fidan’s remarks as inappropriate during diplomatic discussions between the two nations. The rebuke came after Fidan claimed last week that “Israel has become a problem for the entire international community.”

Katz had specifically requested that his German colleague address the Turkish official’s inflammatory language. In response, Baerbock acknowledged Israel’s right and responsibility to protect its citizens, a statement seen as indirect support for Israeli security operations. The exchange highlights growing diplomatic tensions over how the international community characterises Israel’s actions in the region.

The incident underscores deeper divisions within NATO and the wider Western alliance over responses to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Turkey, a NATO member with significant regional influence, has become increasingly critical of Israeli policies, whilst Germany has sought to maintain closer ties with Israel whilst balancing its diplomatic relationships. Fidan’s characterisation of Israel as a broader international problem represents a significant escalation in Turkish rhetoric and has drawn pushback from Western capitals concerned about the divisive language.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.