THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Steffen Seibert: Gaza won’t sever special Germany-Israel ties Episoder Former prime minister Naftali Bennett on this existential moment 19 Jun · The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Lytte senere Lytte senere Merk som spilt Vurder Nedlastning Gå til podcast Dele Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World. This week, we hear from former prime minister Naftali Bennett in conversation with founding editor David Horovitz and political correspondent Tal Schneider. Speaking with ToI on June 11 at the campaign headquarters of Together, the new, merged party he now leads with former prime minister Yair Lapid, Bennett said Israel is facing “an existential moment,” and warned that another term under the current government would leave the country without a functioning economy, society or international position. “Another four years with this government, we won’t have an economy, we won’t have a society,” he charged. “The Haredi issue will just crash us all. We won’t have an international standing anywhere. We have to act now.” And so, this week, we ask Naftali Bennett, what matters now. For further reading: Bennett to ToI: ‘We…

Merz reserves 'right' to reverse course and sanction Israel at EU level BERLIN — Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Monday that his government is reconsidering its stance on the European Union’s association agreement with Israel , signaling a potential pivot as the German leader warned of the “catastrophic humanitarian situation” in Gaza. “We reserve the right to take such steps,” Merz said in response to a reporter’s question on a possible suspension the EU-Israel Association Agreement , which provides for close ties on trade and other areas of cooperation. Until now, Merz has ruled out German support for a review of the association agreement, though other EU leaders favor a suspension or partial suspension of the pact. As pressure grows on the German government to take action to alleviate hunger and suffering in Gaza, Merz also said Germany will participate in an airlift to deliver humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territory. Advertisement Merz said he would await the result of a planned trip of his foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, to the Middle East set for Thursday before evaluating possible next steps. At the same time, Merz said he was unable to comment when a reporter ask…

Germany halts military exports to Israel for use in Gaza - AP News German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attends a cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) BERLIN (AP) — Germany won’t authorize any exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza “until further notice,” Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday, in a strikingly quick response by one of Israel’s strongest international backers to a decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinetto take over Gaza City. The move by Germany, which has previously stopped short of tougher lines against Israel’s government taken by some of its European Union allies, appeared likely to further isolate Israel in the wake of the military takeover plan that has been decried by the United Nations, aid and human rights groups, and supporters of Israeli hostagesstill held in Gaza, among others. Germany, along with the United States and Italy, is among the top foreign suppliers of equipment used by Israel’s military. The pause adds toaction taken by European countries— including economic, military and diplomatic measures — against Israel in recent months out of…

Steffen Seibert: German-Israel special ties rooted in democracy as much ... Welcome to The Times of Israel'sLazar Focus. Each Friday, join hostdiplomatic correspondent Lazar Bermanfor a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. Last week, Germany failed to secure a temporary seat on the powerful United Nations Security Council. There were several theories about the reason for Berlin's failure, but Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul offered a striking one — that it could be that Germany's support for Israel cost it the coveted seat. Germany is indeed one of Israel's closest allies in the world, and has been for decades. At the same time, the special relationship Israel enjoys with Berlin -- like its ties with other key allies -- has come under strain in the wars it has pursued in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. In August 2025, Germany announced a partial arms embargo on Israel over its decision to conquer Gaza City. To discuss the roots and the state of the Germany-Israel relationship, German Ambassador Steffen Seibert joined the podcast, weeks before he wraps up his four-year tenure and returns to Berlin. He rejects the idea that Germany's appr…

Germany blocks EU sanctions against Israel - Caliber.Az Germany, along with several other EU member states, has blocked new European Union sanctions against Israel, delaying any further punitive measures for the time being. The decision comes amid heightened tensions in the region and has drawn sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump,Caliber.AzreportsperGerman media. In response to the escalating crisis, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) announced that two Bundeswehr aircraft have been dispatched to provide humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The planes, currently being equipped in Jordan, are expected to begin air drops either today or by the weekend at the latest. Despite this effort, aid organisations have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of air drops. They point to the limited volume of supplies delivered compared to traditional truck convoys and warn that dropping pallets from the air risks injuring or even killing civilians on the ground. Critics argue that the operation is largely symbolic, serving more to enhance Germany’s international image than to meet the urgent needs of those affected. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrop…

Haaretz Podcast - German ambassador: 'It's not a coincidence ... - Podbean In a special guest episode of the Haaretz Podcast, German ambassadorSteffen Seibertsits down with Guy Rolnik and Anat Georgy, co-hosts of “The Markers” – the Hebrew-language podcast of Haaretz’s sister publication, The Marker. In the interview, Seibert addressed the increasingly complicated relationship between the two countries since the Gaza war and said he was “not optimistic” about Israel’s future if its government continues in its current direction. “My country is very clearly against the extension and escalation of the war," Seibert said. At the same time, he expressed both affection and sympathy for the “exhausted” citizens of the Jewish state and concerns about growing antisemitism across Europe. “It's a difficult time to be an Israeli. The idea that when you go abroad as a tourist, you have to worry about your personal safety, and you have to worry if it's okay to speak Hebrew in the street – this is horrible, and it is a challenge to all of us Europeans to make sure that that doesn't become the new reality forever.” Rolnik and Georgy also engaged in an in-depth exchange with Seibert on the na…

Steffen Seibert: Gaza won’t sever special Germany-Israel ties Welcome to The Times of Israel'sLazar Focus. Each Friday, join hostdiplomatic correspondent Lazar Bermanfor a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. Last week, Germany failed to secure a temporary seat on the powerful United Nations Security Council. There were several theories about the reason for Berlin's failure, but Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul offered a striking one — that it could be that Germany's support for Israel cost it the coveted seat. Germany is indeed one of Israel's closest allies in the world, and has been for decades. At the same time, the special relationship Israel enjoys with Berlin -- like its ties with other key allies -- has come under strain in the wars it has pursued in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. In August 2025, Germany announced a partial arms embargo on Israel over its decision to conquer Gaza City. To discuss the roots and the state of the Germany-Israel relationship, German Ambassador Steffen Seibert joined the podcast, weeks before he wraps up his four-year tenure and returns to Berlin. He rejects the idea that Germany's approach to Israel…

Steffen Seibert: Gaza won't sever special Germany-Israel ties - QOSHE Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what’s behind the news that spins the globe. Last week, Germany failed to secure a temporary seat on the powerful United Nations Security Council. There were several theories about the reason for Berlin’s failure, but Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul offered a striking one — that it could be that Germany’s support for Israel cost it the coveted seat. WATCH the full episode here: Germany is indeed one of Israel’s closest allies in the world, and has been for decades. More from Lazar Focus May 15, 2026Dakar Eilat: Inside prisons for Hamas terrorists Dakar Eilat: Inside prisons for Hamas terrorists May 8, 2026LTC Nadav Shoshani: Is Israel telling the right story to the world? LTC Nadav Shoshani: Is Israel telling the right story to the world? April 24, 2026David Rosen: Israel doesn't adequately understand Christian relations David Rosen: Israel doesn't adequately understand Christian relations April 17, 2026Moran Zaga: The Gulf states react to humiliation by Iran Moran........ © The Times …

Berlin rejects EU sanctions against Israel over Gaza German chancellor Friedrich Merz has insisted his government’s support for Israel is conditional – but that Berlin will not back any European Union sanction plans over Gaza . The 69-year-old German leader took office 10 weeks ago promising recession-beating domestic reforms – but his days are dominated now by US tariffs , EU finances and a judicial appointments row. At a press conference on Friday, however, it was close questioning over Germany’s Israel policy that tested Merz’s temper. Weeks after the centre-right chancellor adopted a more critical tone towards Israel over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, he struggled to explain the political consequences. READ MORE As summer solstice approaches, it’s time to shift gear in the garden Jodie Foster interview: ‘I turned 60 and suddenly woke up not caring about all the things I cared about at 45’ Mark Moriarty: Store cupboard staple meals that are packed with flavour Judy Blume: A Life by Mark Oppenheimer - A quirky and comprehensive biography “I’ve never made my own the idea of unconditional support [for Israel], we support the country but we say – clearly and fir…

Steffen Seibert: Gaza won't sever special Germany-Israel ties Welcome to The Times of Israel'sLazar Focus. Each Friday, join hostdiplomatic correspondent Lazar Bermanfor a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. Last week, Germany failed to secure a temporary seat on the powerful United Nations Security Council. There were several theories about the reason for Berlin's failure, but Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul offered a striking one — that it could be that Germany's support for Israel cost it the coveted seat. Germany is indeed one of Israel's closest allies in the world, and has been for decades. At the same time, the special relationship Israel enjoys with Berlin -- like its ties with other key allies -- has come under strain in the wars it has pursued in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. In August 2025, Germany announced a partial arms embargo on Israel over its decision to conquer Gaza City. To discuss the roots and the state of the Germany-Israel relationship, German Ambassador Steffen Seibert joined the podcast, weeks before he wraps up his four-year tenure and returns to Berlin. He rejects the idea that Germany's approach to Israel…

Steffen Seibert: Gaza won’t sever special Germany-Israel ties <p>Berlin's outgoing ambassador confident close relationship will continue, while expressing support for Palestinian state and calling for diplomatic solution to Iran threats. </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/steffen-seibert-gaza-wont-sever-special-germany-israel-ties/">Steffen Seibert: Gaza won’t sever special Germany-Israel ties</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com">The Times of Israel</a>.</p> <figure><img src="https://static-cdn.toi-media.com/www/uploads/2026/06/Lazar-Focus-March-19-25-1024x640.jpg" title="Steffen Seibert: Gaza won’t sever special Germany-Israel ties" border="0" width="160" height="100" class="type:primaryImage"></figure>