Merz lashes out at Israel's Ben-Gvir for 'targeted killings' remark

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) firmly opposes statements by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir calling for targeted killings of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, deputy government spokesman Sebastian Hille said on Wednesday, reported dpa.

Hille said the chancellor strongly condemned the contemptuous and unlawful appeals, calling them unacceptable.

The spokesman pointed to a recent decision by EU leaders to prepare targeted measures against radical politicians who call for violations of human dignity and international law. EU foreign ministers would address the issue at an upcoming meeting, Hille said.

Speaking during a podcast with Rom Braslavski, a former Gaza hostage, Ben-Gvir had said: "I think that targeted killings should be carried out in Gaza, removing 30, 40 people every night." He added that he was not only referring to militant Palestinians who posed an immediate threat.

E1 settlement tender

Separately, Merz criticized a tender issued by Israel's Land Authority for a settlement project in the West Bank. The chancellor was following the Israeli government's recent steps with great concern, Hille said.

The spokesman said Merz had the following message: "There must be no further annexation steps in the West Bank - no formal ones, but also no political, construction-related or other measures whose effect is increasingly obviously leading to annexation. They run counter to a two-state solution."

As an occupying power, Israel must treat Palestinians with human dignity, protect their property and ensure public administration and humanitarian supplies, Hille said.

At the same time, he said the chancellor always made clear that Germany stands for Israel's existence and security.