Germany Baerbock in the Middle East: Hezbollah and the situation in the Gaza Strip the main topics of discussion
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is continuing her two days of crisis talks in the Middle East with the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority (PA), Mohammed Mustafa, in Ramallah. The talks on Tuesday morning (8.00 a.m.) are also likely to focus on the PA's reform efforts. In the view of the Green politician, the Palestinian Authority could play an important role in a post-war order in the Gaza Strip.
25.06.2024, 05:42
SDA
At the Herzliya Security Conference in the coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv the previous evening, Baerbock stated that if the PA wanted to assume the role of the legitimate governing authority in Gaza at some point, it had to be able to guarantee this - including with police and security forces. The minister has been calling for a reform of the autonomous authority for some time. However, she warned: "In the current situation, it is dangerous and counterproductive to destroy and destabilize established PA structures." However, this is precisely what is causing the illegal expansion of Israeli settlement projects in the West Bank.
Like many partners in Europe, the USA and the region, Baerbock is striving for a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians, in which an independent Palestinian state exists peacefully side by side with Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects such a solution, as does the Islamist Hamas.
A meeting between Baerbock and Netanyahu is not planned this time. The most recent meeting between the two politicians in mid-April resulted in a loud argument. This is Baerbock's eighth trip to Israel since the bloody terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7.
Conversation with Benny Gantz
On Monday evening, Baerbock met in Jerusalem with former General Benny Gantz, who recently left Netanyahu's war cabinet because the government is not working out a plan for a post-war order in the Gaza Strip. To date, Netanyahu has not presented such a plan - probably also so as not to offend his ultra-right coalition partners, on whom his political survival depends. They are demanding the reestablishment of Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip. The content of the talks was not initially disclosed.
Baerbock also wants to meet with her colleague Israel Katz on Tuesday. The focus is likely to be on Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip and the dramatic humanitarian situation of the civilian population there. Later, a meeting is planned with relatives of kidnap victims who are still being held in the Gaza Strip.
Baerbock in Beirut - concern about escalation with Hezbollah
Against the backdrop of growing concerns about an escalation of the conflict between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, Baerbock flies on to Lebanon this afternoon. Talks are planned in the capital Beirut with the caretaker Prime Minister Nadschib Mikati and the caretaker Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib before returning to Berlin.
Complete withdrawal of Hezbollah demanded
At the Herzlija conference, Baerbock had demanded a complete and verifiable withdrawal of the Shiite Hezbollah militia from the border area between Lebanon and Israel. The increase in violence on Israel's northern border is causing great concern. "The risk of an unintended escalation and an all-out war is growing daily. Extreme caution is therefore required," said Baerbock.
Israel wants to use diplomatic pressure to ensure that the militia withdraws behind the Litani River, 30 kilometers from the border - as stipulated by a UN resolution. However, Israeli Defense Minister Joav Galant recently warned that Israel is also prepared to launch a major military operation if necessary.
Air strike in the south of the Gaza Strip - missile alert in Israel
According to hospital reports, at least seven Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Chan Junis in the south of the Gaza Strip on Monday. According to residents of the town, those killed had been accompanying humanitarian aid deliveries on behalf of Hamas. Aid organizations are warning of the collapse of public order and chaos. For the first time in weeks, there were rocket alarms in the Israeli coastal town of Ashkelon on Monday. According to paramedics, two people were injured as they ran into shelters. Several others suffered shocks.
During a speech in the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, Netanyahu reiterated that the war would not end until all 120 hostages - living and dead - had returned. "We are committed to the Israeli proposal, which US President Biden has welcomed. Our position has not changed," he said. At the same time, Netanyahu emphasized the goal of destroying Hamas. In addition, "Iran's intentions to destroy us will be thwarted at any cost and in any way".
Gallant holds talks in Washington
In Washington, Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. They discussed efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, which could lead to the release of Israeli hostages and relief for the Palestinian population. Blinken briefed Gallant on current diplomatic efforts to bring security and reconstruction to Gaza after the conflict ends, said spokesman Matthew Miller.
