Germany's Merz condemns Israeli minister's Gaza remarks

In mid-August 2026, Chancellor Friedrich Merz strongly condemned statements made by Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's far-right national security minister, who called for the killing of Gaza residents. Merz described the remarks as unacceptable and inhumane, and his allies said sanctions against Ben-Gvir were 'long overdue'.

The German government is reportedly pushing for a joint European Union response against Ben-Gvir. The controversy comes amid broader debate in Israel over the handling of Gaza, with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett separately vowing to expel Qatar and Turkey from Gaza and hand their role to Egypt.