Germany condemns Ben-Gvir, drops opposition to EU sanctions

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's call for nightly killings in Gaza as "inhumane" and in violation of international law, as Berlin signaled a shift in its stance on EU sanctions against the far-right minister.

"The chancellor strongly condemns the inhumane appeals made by Minister Ben-Gvir, which violate international law. They are unacceptable," deputy government spokesperson Sebastian Hille said at a press conference in Berlin.turkiyetoday+1

A Shift in Berlin's Position

The remarks mark a notable change for Germany, which had previously been among the EU member states blocking sanctions against Ben-Gvir. At a Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg in June, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic were understood to have prevented consensus on listing the minister.aljazeera+1

Now, senior figures from both parties in Germany's governing coalition have called for EU action. Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil told broadcaster Sat.1 on Tuesday that sanctions should be considered "very seriously," describing Ben-Gvir's language as "dehumanizing". Jürgen Hardt, foreign policy spokesman for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, told Politico that "the EU should sanction him as a sign of the universal validity of human dignity and human rights".brusselssignal+3

Ben-Gvir's Remarks

The backlash followed comments Ben-Gvir made on a podcast hosted by Rom Braslavski, a former hostage held in Gaza. In the interview, aired Saturday, Ben-Gvir said Israel should carry out "targeted assassinations in Gaza, taking down 30 to 40 every night," adding that some people "are not worthy of life". He also renewed calls for Israeli settlements in Gaza and mass Palestinian emigration.abcnews+2

France has joined Germany in condemning the remarks, and several EU countries — including France, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Spain and Belgium — have already imposed national entry bans on Ben-Gvir. The United Kingdom, Norway, Canada, Australia and New Zealand sanctioned both Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in 2025.youtube+1

EU Sanctions Path Ahead

Hille said EU foreign ministers would address the issue at their upcoming informal Gymnich meeting, where EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is expected to present proposals. The meeting is scheduled for September 1-2 in Wicklow, Ireland. Any sanctions on individuals require unanimity among all 27 member states, a threshold that has so far proved elusive.caliber+3