Question:

Mr Wadephul, your job involves liaising constantly with Israeli representatives, and you have just visited the country for the second time in three months. But what does Israel mean for you personally?

Johann Wadephul:

I am deeply shaped by the understanding that, after the terrible crimes of the Nazi regime, Germany has an enormous responsibility towards Israel as a home for all Jewish people. I have thoroughly absorbed this and it shapes my Israel policy as well. For me as a Christian, meanwhile, it always means something special to be in Jerusalem and other places in the Middle East that I know from the Bible. Last but not least, Israel is simply a wonderful country where many people live who are close to my heart.

Question:

You are a seasoned parliamentarian, but serving as Foreign Minister is the first time in your career that you have been constantly in the public eye. Were you surprised by the attention and the considerable criticism that this role entails?

Johann Wadephul:

Yes and no. I knew that it involves a certain degree of exposure. There has however been some criticism that I did not expect and was rather astonished by. But doing this job also means developing a thick skin.

Question:

There was criticism, for example, when you said in late May that Germany cannot show “forced solidarity” with Israel. Do you regret this choice of words in hindsight?

Johann Wadephul:

I have already said several times that I would not use that term in the same way again. But I stand by the point that I ultimately wanted to express. We Germans do of course bear great responsibility towards Israel. However, the Federal Government must also be able to criticise the Israeli Government and individual politicians.

Question:

Do you see how your words were interpreted, not least in the Jewish community, as breaking away from the raison d’état of Germany’s special responsibility for Israel?

Johann Wadephul:

I think it is quite clear that this responsibility has not at any point been called into question, and that both personally and in my politics I stand wholeheartedly by Israel. That should also be clear when one looks at the entirety of my political career and the stances I have taken over time. As Foreign Minister, I travelled to Israel in my first week in office, I have just been there once again, and I am in close contact with my Israeli counterpart. This special German responsibility for Israel’s security and existence is what makes it so painful and concerning for a German Foreign Minister to see the danger Israel faces, of becoming ever more isolated on the international stage. We want to prevent this.

Question:

And yet your sister party, the CSU, has urged publicly and behind the scenes for you and the Chancellor to show greater moderation in your approach to Israel. To many people, this seems more like vacillation than the fully coordinated foreign policy that you promised when you took office. Do you share this impression?

Johann Wadephul:

No, it’s a normal process to have criticism coming from various sides. I have equally been criticised in recent days and weeks for being far too pro‑Israeli. I am one of the European Foreign Ministers who are saying clearly that we will not recognise a Palestinian state now and who do not want to call into question the EU‑Israel Association Agreement. That has earned me a certain amount of criticism, from our coalition partner as well as from diplomats, both former and current.

Question:

When the CDU was in opposition, it criticised the previous Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock a great deal for her Israel policy. What are you doing differently to your predecessor?

Johann Wadephul:

We must always consider policy in the specific context in which it is made. For example, there was a noticeable reduction in arms supplies by the previous government, at a time that was in my view in the midst of the justified fight against Hamas. I believed that to be wrong at the time, I criticised it then and I stand by this assessment now.

The current Federal Government, too, stands by the German policy that has been in place since Oslo. But I only see recognition of a Palestinian state coming towards the end of a negotiated two‑state solution.

I take a clear stance as a German Foreign Minister, whose central task it is to stand by Israel’s side. However, that does not mean that there is not also criticism here and there. It is precisely because I am in such close contact with Gideon Sa’ar that we are able to speak frankly with one another.

Question:

During your most recent visit to Israel, you took an unusually tough tone by German standards. Why did you believe that to be necessary?

Johann Wadephul:

Because we have an unusually critical lack of basic supplies in the Gaza Strip. The territory is home to around two million people who are cut off from any regular supply of food, water and aid. It is first and foremost the Israeli Government who is responsible for this.

It is absolutely justified that Israel is defending itself against Hamas. But the impact on the civilian population has become so profound that there must be a course correction. The vast majority of the international community shares this view.

Question:

The Israelis are saying quite clearly that there is enough food in Gaza. Why do you not believe that?

Johann Wadephul:

I always try to gain a full view of the situation. And so I have also been hearing what the United Nations and other international aid organisations are saying. In the international community, almost everyone is of the view that there is a glaring lack of supplies. We should not close our eyes to this.

Question:

In Jerusalem, you set out the clear expectation that there must be a fundamental improvement of the situation in Gaza. Are you persuaded after your visit that the Israelis will initiate the steps needed for that to happen?

Johann Wadephul:

As I said, I enjoy regular, productive contact with Gideon Sa’ar, and he played a pivotal role in bringing about the first small signs of improvement that we have been seeing in Gaza for the last week or so. I hope that intensive efforts will now be made to continue this. That is the outcome of my talks with the Prime Minister and the President as well. What is also needed is for there to finally be a ceasefire, for Hamas to be incapacitated and for it to release the hostages, who include German nationals. Hamas is responsible for the whole situation. On this point, too, I concur with the Israelis.

Question:

What happens if, in a few days or weeks, you reach the conclusion that the Israeli Government has not done what Germany and the EU expected of it?

Johann Wadephul:

Politicians are well advised not to answer hypothetical questions. And decisions of that nature would anyway be taken by the Cabinet, not by an individual ministry. But I have faith, in fact I have the clear, well-founded expectation, that there will be a significant improvement of the humanitarian situation. Because the Israeli Government has assured us of this.

Question:

You brought a great deal of diplomatic weight to bear during your visit to Jerusalem. Do the Israelis risk a rift in the German-Israeli friendship if they fail to meet your expectations?

Johann Wadephul:

I believe that the German-Israeli friendship is unshakeable. What concerns me more is that Israel could end up in an isolated position, and as German Foreign Minister I must help to prevent that. Hence our in‑depth talks and our efforts to see a significant improvement in the situation.

Question:

On Friday morning in Jerusalem, you also met with relatives of the hostages who are being held in Gaza. What do you aim to do for their release?

Johann Wadephul:

We must campaign hard for it at every level. As before, I urgently call on all states who are known to have connections with Hamas to exert pressure for the hostages to finally be released. Some of them are Germans. The terrible videos that have just become public, parading Evyatar David and the German hostage Rom Braslavski in front of the camera, reveal the sheer depravity of their tormentors. Terrorists such as these can never again be permitted to wield political influence. And everyone must be aware that the Federal Government is paying very close attention to whether our interests are being upheld and whether our compatriots will finally be released. We will bring all of our weight to bear in these negotiations.