Overview

• The SPD is drafting a formal proposal to recognize a Palestinian state prior to a two-state agreement.
• Foreign affairs spokesman Adis Ahmetovic says recognition need not await the conclusion of peace talks.
• The proposal will specify legal criteria for Palestinian territory, governance structures and population.
• The federal government insists that formal recognition must remain a concluding step after negotiations.
• The initiative underscores growing tensions within Germany’s ruling coalition over its Middle East policy.