Germany’s outgoing Anti-Semitism Commissioner, Felix Klein, has condemned Israel’s settlement expansion in the West Bank, describing it as a violation of international law and a threat to the two-state solution. He also emphasized the importance of keeping criticism of Israel separate from anti-Semitism.

Felix Klein, Germany’s outgoing Anti-Semitism Commissioner, has voiced strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policies in the West Bank. He criticized the Israeli government’s plans, particularly the controversial E1 settlement project, as contravening international law and undermining the prospects of a two-state solution in the region. Klein urged Israeli authorities to prioritize diplomatic measures over the use of force in addressing disputes.

Klein also expressed concern over the treatment of Palestinian families in the West Bank, highlighting what he called a lenient approach toward violence committed by some settlers against Palestinians. He called on Israel’s judicial system to take a firmer stance and ensure accountability for such incidents. His comments come amid rising tensions, with several violent clashes reported recently, including the shooting of a 17-year-old Palestinian by an Israeli settler during an altercation involving stone-throwing and property disputes in a village.

While warning against Israel’s settlement expansion, Klein stressed the distinction between legitimate criticism of Israeli government policy and anti-Semitism, noting that opposition to specific policies should not undermine Israel’s right to exist or resort to demonization. Klein, who has served in his role for eight years, is set to step down at the end of August to take on a new position as ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. His remarks come amid growing international backlash against the accelerated settlement developments under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which have drawn widespread condemnation from other nations.