“Interview of the week” – Former Israeli Intelligence Chief Urges Germany to Recognize palestinian State
BERLIN – Ami Ajalon,a former head of the Shin Bet and commander-in-chief of the Israeli Navy,has called for Germany to recognize a state of Palestine,arguing it would undermine extremist ideologies on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In an interview set to air Sunday on Deutschlandfunk, Ajalon stated that recognizing a Palestinian state would send a powerful message to radicals.
Ajalon, who advocated for a two-state solution throughout his tenure until 2000, believes a Palestinian state would ”break” the ideology of Hamas. The interview comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Israel‘s military actions in Gaza and escalating tensions in the region. Ajalon’s perspective offers a critical insider’s view from within the Israeli security establishment.
While acknowledging Israel recently achieved “one of the most brilliant victories in it’s military history” against Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iranian targets, Ajalon asserted that the war in Gaza has transitioned from a “fair defense war” – justifiable until the end of 2024 – to one that is now ”not fair.” He stated that Israel had effectively ”dismantled” Hamas’s command structure and weapon infrastructure, adding, “An army cannot achieve more.”
Ajalon also criticized a recent Israeli Air Force attack on Hamas leadership in qatar, deeming it ”not justified and ineffective.” He believes the strike targeted the more pragmatic elements within hamas and was potentially motivated by a desire to obstruct a hostage release agreement, a sentiment he shares with “the vast majority of Israelis.”
Despite criticism of the Israeli government’s conduct, Ajalon firmly rejected accusations of genocide in Gaza, stating it was “in no way” the case. He emphasized that genocide requires intent, and Israel, he argues, does not intend to destroy the Palestinian people, though he acknowledged Israel bears responsibility for the humanitarian crisis in the coastal strip.
The full interview will be broadcast on Deutschlandfunk on Sunday at 11:05 a.m.and is available via the news app’s live stream. This report was originally aired on September 27, 2025, on Germany radio.
