Germany moves to criminalise denial of Israel’s existence while refusing to recognise Palestine

Germany’s upper house of parliament has backed a law that could imprison people for denying Israel’s right to exist, even as Berlin refuses to recognise a Palestinian state and intensifies its crackdown on pro-Palestine activism.

The Bundesrat approved the proposal, submitted by the state of Hesse, on Friday. The Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, is expected to consider it after its summer recess.

Under the draft law, anyone who publicly denies Israel’s right to exist or calls for the state’s abolition could face up to five years in prison or a fine.

The proposal would grant Israel a legal protection Germany does not extend to Palestine. Berlin has long refused to recognise Palestinian statehood, continued supplying weapons to Israel during its genocide on Gaza and maintained trade ties despite Israel’s apartheid system and accelerating ethnic cleansing in the occupied West Bank.

Germany has also restricted demonstrations, conferences and cultural events supporting Palestinian rights.

Read more: Germany moves to criminalise denial of Israel’s existence while refusing to recognise Palestine