Overview

• Heusgen, ex-chair of the Munich Security Conference and longtime Merkel adviser, argues recognition would be a potent show of solidarity because Germany is seen as a loyal ally of Israel.
• The federal government reiterates that recognition remains off the table for now, with spokesman Stefan Kornelius calling it one of the final steps in a negotiated process.
• Reporting notes that France, Canada and Australia plan recognition in September, adding to international pressure as many states have already taken that step.
• Heusgen cites a dire toll in Gaza, referencing nearly 70,000 Palestinian deaths and UNICEF estimates of about 28 children killed daily, and he highlights Joe Biden’s criticism of Israel’s bombardments as arbitrary.
• He criticizes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of a Palestinian state, points to settlement expansion and settler violence, and warns Israel risks evolving into an apartheid state.