Israeli Minister Accuses German Envoy of ‘Obsession’ With Settlers Amidst Regional Tensions
Jerusalem – A public dispute erupted Sunday between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and German Ambassador to Israel Steffen Seibert, highlighting deep divisions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader regional fallout from recent hostilities with Iran. Sa’ar accused Seibert of harboring a “malign obsession” with Jewish settlers in the West Bank, following a social media post by the ambassador linking settler violence to Israeli casualties from Iranian missile strikes.
The exchange unfolded on X, formerly known as Twitter. Seibert’s post lamented the “hundreds injured by Iran’s missiles” in southern and central Israel, and the death of Ofer Moskovitz, killed by a projectile in northern Israel. He attributed Moskovitz’s death to Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon, while noting the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
However, Seibert then drew a parallel, referencing “the violent settler rampage in Palestinian villages following the tragic and to-be-investigated death of one of their own.” This referred to violence perpetrated by settlers after Yehuda Sherman, 18, was struck by a Palestinian vehicle in the West Bank on Saturday, an incident officials are investigating as either a terror attack or a traffic accident.
Sa’ar responded sharply, stating he looked forward to Seibert’s replacement. He accused the ambassador of being unable to condemn attacks against Israelis without simultaneously raising the issue of Palestinians, and of being unable to condemn the death of a Jewish person caused by a Palestinian. He asserted that a new ambassador would strengthen Israel-Germany relations.
Seibert defended his position, reiterating his condemnation of Iran’s attacks and Germany’s support for Israel’s defense. He also emphasized that settler violence is a significant concern, echoing worries expressed by both the Israeli president and other Israeli leaders.
Instances of settler violence have increased significantly since the October 7th Hamas-led attacks, with reports occurring daily and prosecutions remaining rare.
Germany is a key ally of Israel, with German leaders frequently citing a moral obligation to support the Jewish state stemming from the Holocaust. Earlier this month, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadepuhl visited Israel following the joint US-Israel bombing campaign against Iran, though Germany has cautioned Israel against a ground operation in Lebanon.
Seibert is slated to retire this summer, with Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, the current German ambassador to Russia, expected to succeed him. The diplomatic clash underscores the complex challenges facing Israel as it navigates ongoing conflicts and seeks to maintain international support.
