Mixed German reaction to EU halt on payments to Israel

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin has "taken note" of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's decision to halt EU payments to Israel over the country's conduct in Gaza and Qatar.

The German minister, speaking alongside his Dutch counterpart in Berlin, refrained from commenting further, but only said that his government was awaiting further details on the step as promised by the EU chief.

Germany and the commission shared the common position "that Israel's conduct of war in Gaza is unacceptable and that threats of annexation cannot remain the answer."

It comes after von der Leyen said in the European Parliament in Strasbourg that the EU would stop all relevant payments because of Israel's actions.

Israel criticized the decision, saying it was based in part on Hamas propaganda.

Germany is one of Israel's most vocal backers and has been hesitant in condemning the military's actions in Gaza. On Tuesday, Israel hit Hamas leadership in Qatar.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt struck a more decisive tone when reacting to Brussels' decision.

"I view with the utmost scepticism what has obviously been decided in Brussels," he said in response to a question from a journalist.

"In my view, there is no sufficient reason to withhold funds from Israel or to discuss suspending the [EU] Association Agreement," he added.

The Association Agreement regulates trade between the EU and Israel and has underpinned political and economic relations between the two sides since 2000.

Von der Leyen on Wednesday also proposed "a partial suspension" of the agreement over Israel's actions in Gaza, a demand that has been made by some EU member states.