Germany ex-envoy criticises Israel West Bank policy

Germany's former ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, criticised the Israeli government's settlement policy in the occupied West Bank in an interview released Wednesday, calling it disastrous.

Die Zeit quoted Seibert as saying Israel's policy in the Palestinian territory amounts to displacement through psychological and physical violence.

Seibert, a former spokesman for then chancellor Angela Merkel, addressed Merkel's statement that Israel's security is part of Germany's reason of state. He said that commitment applied to Israel within its internationally recognised borders.

Seibert said Germany must stand by Israel if its existence is threatened by attacks or plans by Hamas, Hezbollah or Iran. But he said that does not apply to settlers in the Jordan Valley, describing the settlements as illegal under international law.

He also said Palestinians must be told that the Israeli people's right to live in their own state must be respected. Seibert said support for Israel does not extend to every action by the Israeli state, including the occupation.