Germany’s parliament advances historic measure against calls for Israel’s elimination

Germany's Bundesrat, the upper parliamentary chamber, has passed landmark legislation making calls for the destruction of Israel or the denial of its existence a criminal offense, punishable by up to five years in prison. This measure expands Section 130 of Germany's Criminal Code, which addresses incitement of hatred. The legislation now proceeds to the Bundestag for final approval. This makes Germany the first European country to impose criminal penalties for denying Israel's right to exist. The decision, driven by Hesse Governor Boris Rhein, comes amid a significant rise in antisemitism, particularly since October 7. Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor stated, "The German parliament today drew a bright red line, according to which denying the existence of the State of Israel is no longer legal in Germany."