---
title: "Former German Envoy Criticizes Israeli Settlement Policy"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/seibert-criticizes-israeli-settlement-policy-i7gst
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-12T16:00:58.120Z
modified: 2026-08-12T18:30:07.184Z
language: en-IN
---

# Former German Envoy Criticizes Israeli Settlement Policy

Steffen Seibert, former German ambassador to Israel, has sharply criticized the Israeli government's settlement policy. He stated that Germany's commitment to Israel's security does not extend to settlements, which he described as illegal under international law.

## Key takeaways

- Steffen Seibert, former German ambassador to Israel, has sharply criticized the nation's settlement policy.
- He stated that Germany's commitment to Israel's security does not extend to settlements in the Jordan Valley, deeming them illegal under international law.
- Seibert called for a clear reevaluation of German policy toward Israel and suggested targeted measures against settlement policy.
- He acknowledged Israel's right to exist as a democracy but differentiated this from supporting all governmental actions, including the occupation.

## What Happened

Steffen Seibert, who previously served as Germany's ambassador to Israel and was former Chancellor Angela Merkel's government spokesperson, has voiced strong criticism of Israel's settlement policy. Speaking to the "Zeitmagazin," Seibert described the settlements as "expulsion through psychological and real violence." He asserted that while Germany's commitment to Israel's security, termed 'Staatsräson' (reason of state), applies to Israel within its internationally recognized borders, it does not extend to settlers in the Jordan Valley.

Seibert characterized these settlements as illegal under international law, driven by the ideology that the land is divinely given and exclusively theirs, and stated that this ideology is not covered by Germany's 'Staatsräson.' He also noted that support for Israel does not automatically encompass all of its governmental actions, including the occupation, which he noted is nearing its 60th year.

## Policy Recommendations

Seibert called for a reevaluation of German policy towards Israel, emphasizing the need for clarity regarding Germany's stance. He indicated opposition to boycotts and measures that hinder scientific exchange, suggesting instead that the focus should be on targeted actions to more clearly express Germany's rejection of the settlement policy.

Reports indicate an increase in violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, with accusations that the Israeli military is not acting decisively enough to counter these attacks. Human rights activists in Israel have accused the army of supporting extremist settlers involved in violence against Palestinians.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/seibert-criticizes-israeli-settlement-policy-i7gst
Reported from: Multiple Sources