(20 Aug 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Berlin – 20 August 2025
1. German government spokespeople preparing for news conference
2. Journalists
3. Government spokespeople
4. Government spokespeople Josef Hinterseher and Steffen Meyer at news conference
5. Journalist typing
6. SOUNDBITE (German) Josef Hinterseher, German Foreign Ministry spokesperson:
"We strongly reject the settlement project E1, which would significantly extend into the West Bank and effectively separate the northern part of the West Bank from the southern part through this large territorial expansion. This is not only about E1, but also about the expansion of the Ma’ale Adumim settlement nearby. According to our information, the building authority has granted approval today. The position of the federal government is clear: we strongly reject this approval. The settlement construction violates international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. It hinders a negotiated two-state solution and an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, as called for by the International Court of Justice. Plans for the E1 settlement would particularly restrict the mobility of the Palestinian population in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. It would become even more difficult due to the lack of cohesion, and you may also be aware of the geographical gradient there, which slopes steeply towards the Jordan, making it extremely difficult and requiring significant detours."
7. Wide of journalists and officials
8. Camera
9. SOUNDBITE (German) Josef Hinterseher, German Foreign Ministry spokesperson:
"Exactly. In fact, the whole situation would result in the West Bank being divided into two parts, and the federal government is calling on the Israeli government to halt settlement construction and will only recognize changes that are agreed upon by the conflicting parties, specifically based on the borders of June 4, 1967."
10. Wide of journalists and officials
11. Mid of German government officials, including Hinterseher and Meyer
12. Mid of journalists
13. SOUNDBITE (German) Steffen Meyer, Federal Government spokesperson:
"So, in recent days, and we’ve talked about this several times here, we’ve witnessed very, very intensive efforts by both the US President and the Europeans, as well as by Ukrainian President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy, to truly take steps towards a genuine, just, and sustainable peace. This has been pursued with great effort. I believe significant steps have been taken, particularly by US President (Donald) Trump, the Europeans, and also by Zelenskyy, to truly move towards peace. The only one we see not taking these steps is (Russian President) Vladimir Putin. And that’s why I think it’s important, based on what we’ve seen in the past few days, Putin must now deliver. Putin must show that he has a serious interest in a peace agreement. We are counting on making this process a success, a success for Ukraine, a success for European security. And that’s how I understood the Chancellor’s statements."
14. Journalist typing
15. Journalists
16. SOUNDBITE (German) Steffen Meyer, Federal Government spokesperson:
17. Wide of German government officials
STORYLINE:
Germany’s foreign ministry on Wednesday criticised Israel’s approval of a controversial settlement project in the occupied West Bank that would effectively cut the territory in two, and praised joint U.S.-European efforts for a peace accord in Ukraine.
Israel’s government gave final approval for the project, which Palestinians and rights groups say could destroy hopes for a future Palestinian state.
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