German upper house advances bill to criminalize ‘denying Israel’s right to exist’

Germany’s upper house of parliament voted Friday to advance a proposal that would make it a criminal offense to publicly deny Israel’s right to exist or call for its destruction, Anadolu reports.

The measure, introduced by the western state of Hesse, would impose penalties of up to five years in prison or a fine for statements made publicly that deny Israel’s existence or urge its destruction — but only if they encourage “a willingness to commit acts of antisemitic violence or arbitrary acts.”

The legislation has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups and free-speech advocates, who argue it could chill legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies and erode the broad protections for freedom of expression guaranteed by Germany’s Constitution.

Following approval by the Bundesrat — which represents the country’s 16 federal states — the bill now heads to the Bundestag, the directly elected lower house of the national parliament. Lawmakers are expected to take it up after the summer recess.