Green Party Adopts Stricter Stance on Israel at National Convention

During their recent national convention, delegates of Germany's Green Party resolved to adopt a more assertive approach regarding Israeli policy, focusing particularly on the rights of Palestinians and adherence to international law. The party emphasized the importance of recognizing the self-determination of Palestinians, while maintaining support for Israel's right to exist and advocating the inviolability of human dignity for all parties involved in the ongoing conflict.

The Green Party's main policy paper, approved at the convention in Hannover, calls for a review of Germany's traditional unwavering support for Israel. Delegates asserted that the commitment to Israel's security--an established element of German state policy--should not override obligations to international law and the protection of human rights. Accordingly, the party proposed targeted sanctions against violent Israeli settlers and right-wing ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, citing their roles in escalating tensions in the region.

Furthermore, the Greens suggested that if Israel continues to disregard its obligations under international law, portions of the European Union's association agreement with Israel could be suspended. However, the party specified that research initiatives and collaborations with civil society organizations should remain unaffected by any such measures.

Despite extensive debate, the party ultimately decided against immediately calling for Germany to formally recognize Palestine as a sovereign state. Instead, the approved policy document identifies such recognition as a crucial factor in facilitating equitable negotiations towards a two-state solution. The party stated that German recognition of Palestine should be considered a priority within the broader peace process but stopped short of directly urging the federal government to act at this time. A separate motion demanding immediate recognition of Palestine, in line with recent moves by other EU nations, was withdrawn and not put to a vote.

Reflecting on the conflict in Gaza following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, the Green Party criticized the Israeli government's military response as disproportionate, citing significant humanitarian consequences and alleged violations of international law. The party underscored that no justification could be found for the suffering caused to civilians in the Gaza Strip, regardless of the preceding acts of violence.

Beyond the Middle East, the convention also addressed Germany's support for Ukraine. Delegates advocated for increased military assistance to Ukraine, including the provision of all available systems such as cruise missiles. The party also called for stricter sanctions against Russia and expressed skepticism towards ceasefire proposals perceived as favoring Russian interests at the expense of Ukraine and broader European security.

Conscription was another key topic, with the majority of delegates opposing the introduction of compulsory military service. The party's youth organization pushed for voluntary participation even in the medical evaluation process, although this proposal did not secure majority support. The Greens ultimately endorsed mandatory evaluation while reiterating a preference for voluntary service.

The convention concluded with discussions on taxation, digital policy, economic and energy strategies, as well as the interests of local communities and internal party regulations, underscoring the party's comprehensive policy agenda for the coming years.