News Briefing: Secret Cooperation Between Israel and Germany's Christian Democrats , October 25, 2026
Leila Haddad | AA
Israeli advisors reportedly collaborated with Germany's CDU on a bill criminalizing denial of Israel's right to exist and visited Germany before regional elections.
This briefing highlights a secret collaboration between Israeli advisors and Germany's Christian Democrats concerning a legislative initiative. The cooperation aimed to criminalize the denial of Israel's right to exist while involving various high-ranking Israeli politicians in Germany's political scene ahead of state elections.
Collaboration on Legislative Initiative in Hesse
A report revealed that advisors to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu worked closely with Germany's co-ruling Christian Democrats (CDU) on a public relations campaign for a bill in Hesse. This proposed legislation would criminalize denying Israel's right to exist. The information was based on WhatsApp messages suggesting cooperation between Netanyahu’s advisors and the CDU in Hesse, revealed by the Frankfurter Rundschau newspaper.
Srulik Einhorn, an advisor to Netanyahu, reportedly contacted his colleague Jonatan Urich about a lucrative opportunity with the CDU. The pair looked to ensure support from Israeli politicians, targeting a promotion by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on social media. Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli, was among those reportedly enlisted to facilitate the initiative.
Advisors' Tour of Germany and Political Engagement
Ahead of regional elections in Germany, Srulik Einhorn and Jonatan Urich visited several German regions including Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Berlin. This visit was reported by an Israeli broadcaster, though its specific objectives remained largely unreported.
Hessian Premier Boris Rhein, alongside Justice Minister Christian Heinz, proposed the law defending Israel’s right to exist in April. However, Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the center-right government expressed concerns over constitutional risks linked to the proposal. The final decision rests with the Bundestag, Germany's federal parliament. Both the Hessian CDU and the involved Israeli advisors declined to comment on the situation.
Impact on Urban Governance and International Relations
The revelation of covert cooperation between Israeli officials and Germany’s CDU underscores the complex interplay of international relations at the state level, posing challenges for urban governance. As cities become focal points for such international diplomacy, municipal leaders must navigate these intricacies while maintaining transparency and adherence to constitutional principles.
For city policymakers, the implications of this cooperation stress the importance of understanding the potential impact of international political maneuvers on local governance. Ensuring that city regulations align with national and international legal frameworks is crucial in preserving the democratic process and reinforcing trust among communities.