German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Israel's West Bank settlement initiative as a 'big mistake' and called for a halt to the project, which he believes complicates the two-state solution. He urged for a joint European message on the issue. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich defended the settlements, while German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul echoed Merz's concerns and condemned violence from radical settlers. The Israeli government maintains that settlements are necessary for security, despite international law deeming them illegal. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)