Steffen Seibert, the former German ambassador to Israel, has publicly differentiated Germany’s national interests from Israel’s settlement policies in the West Bank, emphasizing that support for Israel does not extend to these actions.

In a recent interview, Steffen Seibert, who served as Germany’s ambassador to Israel until July 2026, expressed his concerns regarding Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank. He clarified that the German commitment to Israel’s security, articulated by former Chancellor Angela Merkel, applies only within the borders established in 1967 and does not endorse the expansion of settlements deemed illegal under international law.

Seibert criticized the Israeli settlement policy as a form of displacement that employs both psychological and physical violence. He argued for a clearer distinction between Germany’s support for Israel and the political decisions made by its government, stating that unconditional support should not include endorsement of the ongoing occupation, which has persisted for nearly six decades.

While Seibert rejected calls for boycotts or restrictions on scientific collaboration with Israel, he suggested that Germany could implement targeted measures to express its disapproval of the settlement policy. He also emphasized the importance of recognizing the rights of the Israeli people while advocating for the rights of Palestinians, highlighting the need for a balanced approach in addressing the complex dynamics of the region.