German bill would criminalize denying Israel’s right to exist – FIRE | Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression

Germany is considering a bill that would criminalize denying Israel's right to exist, making it the first European nation to legislate on this specific type of expression. Offenders could face fines or up to five years in prison. This move comes as German legislators seek to combat rising antisemitism, despite the country already having a decades-long ban on Holocaust denial. Boris Rhein, head of the German state Hesse, stated, "Those who deny Israel’s right to exist are attacking Jewish life. Those who attack Jewish life are attacking our free and democratic order." Other nations like France, the UK, and Australia have also implemented new restrictions related to speech on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.