Germany’s Scholz Criticizes Israel’s Settlements in Occupied West Bank

 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz waits for the arrival of the Turkish President at the Chancellery in Berlin on November 17, 2023. (AFP)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz waits for the arrival of the Turkish President at the Chancellery in Berlin on November 17, 2023. (AFP)
TT

Germany’s Scholz Criticizes Israel’s Settlements in Occupied West Bank

 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz waits for the arrival of the Turkish President at the Chancellery in Berlin on November 17, 2023. (AFP)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz waits for the arrival of the Turkish President at the Chancellery in Berlin on November 17, 2023. (AFP)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized Israel's settlement policy in the occupied West Bank on Saturday and repeated calls for a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians.

"We don't want any new settlements in the West Bank, no violence by settlers against the Palestinians in the West Bank," Scholz said during a visit to Nuthetal in Brandenburg state.

The best outcome for Israelis and Palestinians remains the two-state solution, he said.

"If some in Israeli politics distance themselves from this, we will not support them," Scholz said.

Scholz also emphasized the importance of German humanitarian aid for the Palestinians.

Germany is not only on Israel's side, but together with the US, it is the largest donor of humanitarian aid for the Palestinians, the chancellor said.



Netanyahu Says Iran’s Government Fears Its People More than Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, July 13, 2024. (Reuters)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, July 13, 2024. (Reuters)
TT

Netanyahu Says Iran’s Government Fears Its People More than Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, July 13, 2024. (Reuters)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, July 13, 2024. (Reuters)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday in a direct message to Iranians that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's government feared the people of Iran more than Israel.

"That’s why they spend so much time and money trying to crush your hopes and curb your dreams," he said in a video message. "Well, I say to you this: Don’t let your dreams die. I hear the whispers: Women, Life, Freedom. Zan, Zendegi, Azadi.

"Don't lose hope. And know that Israel and others in the free world stand with you," Netanyahu said.