German Upper House Backs Penalties for Denying Israel's Existence

Germany's Bundesrat backed a Hesse bill on Friday that would make public denial of Israel's right to exist, or calls to eliminate the Jewish state, punishable when the conduct is suited to encourage antisemitic violence or coercion. The proposal provides up to five years in prison or a fine and now moves to the federal government response and Bundestag review. The official summary said existing rules on incitement, approval of crimes and terrorist-symbol use are not sufficient in every case. German reports noted legal free-speech concerns, while the measure frames defense of Israel's existence as part of Germany's post-Holocaust responsibility to protect Jewish life.