INTERVIEW: Germany's Ambassador To Israel Talks Hostages, Antisemitism & Immigration 

A Unique Presence in Israeli Diplomacy

Today I sat down with one of the most involved and well-regarded foreign diplomats in Israel: Steffen Seibert, the German Ambassador.

Unlike most ambassadors, Seibert doesn’t stay in the background. He speaks fluent Hebrew. He meets regularly with Israelis across the social and religious spectrum. He’s shown up at hostage marches, taken the mic, and stood side by side with families who’ve lived through October 7.

It’s not performative. It’s consistent.

And it comes with weight. Germany’s relationship with Israel is complex. Historic. Charged. And Seibert seems to understand exactly what’s expected of him — and more importantly, what’s not.

From News Anchor to Chancellor Merkel’s Inner Circle

Before entering politics, Seibert spent over two decades as one of Germany’s most recognized journalists. He anchored heute-journal, Germany’s national evening news program on ZDF, and became a trusted public voice.

In 2010, Angela Merkel brought him straight into her administration, naming him as the federal government’s chief spokesperson and head of its press and information office. For the next 11 years, he stood at the front lines of Germany’s biggest stories.... the Eurozone crisis, the refugee influx, COVID-19, and more.

His shift to diplomacy was unusual. 98% of German ambassadors are career diplomats. Seibert wasn’t. He was an outsider brought in to speak clearly, manage crises, and communicate values. And that’s exactly what he’s doing in Israel.

A Different Kind of Ambassador

Seibert arrived in Israel in 2022. Most diplomats focus on protocol and policy. He chose people.

He started learning Hebrew... seriously. Weekly lessons, public speeches, even social media videos. Not because he had to. Because he wanted to connect.

He’s made it a point to engage not only with Israel’s secular elite, but also with Haredi Jews and Arab Israelis. As he put it, these aren’t “minorities” — they’re part of the country, and any serious diplomat should understand them.

His efforts haven't gone unnoticed. He’s built relationships in places few ambassadors even bother to visit. He’s also played a part in historic moves — including Germany’s purchase of the Israeli Arrow-3 missile defense system, the largest defense export in Israel’s history.

But where he’s really stood out is in his presence during crises. He didn’t just condemn Hamas after October 7. He walked beside hostage families. He showed up, physically, emotionally, publicly.

What We Covered

Our conversation covered the real challenges facing Germany–Israel relations toda.... from antisemitism to diplomacy, immigration to international law. Here are some of the key issues we raised:

Antisemitism:

When does criticism of Israel turn into antisemitism? Seibert has condemned antisemitic slogans at protests, but where is the line? And how does Germany navigate that in a country that protects speech but has also banned hate symbols?

Immigration Policies In Germany & Jewish Safety:

Germany took in over a million refugees in 2015, including hundreds of thousands from countries that teach hatred of Israel. Has this changed Germany’s relationship with its Jewish community — or with Israel? What systems are in place to prevent the spread of antisemitism?

The ICC and Political Targeting Of Israel & It's Politicians:

Seibert shared a message from Germany’s foreign office supporting the International Criminal Court, even as the court targets Israeli officials. Can Germany support the ICC while still standing with Israel? Or is there a conflict of values here?

Personal Involvement With Israeli Families, Above & Beyond:

Why does Seibert personally attend marches? Why take the mic, speak Hebrew, host survivors, and go far beyond the script? What’s his motivation — and what does it say about how Germany sees its responsibility today?

Religious Freedom in Europe:

Across Europe there have been renewed pushes to ban kosher slaughter and circumcision. Where does Germany stand on that? And how far is it willing to go to defend religious freedom for Jews?

Steffen Seibert is doing more than representing Germany in Israel.

Steffen is reshaping what it looks like when a country takes responsibility seriously, going way above the letter of the law.

He’s not hiding behind historical guilt. Even with Germany's rich and dark history. He’s showing up, with learning the language language, maintaining a real presence, and true action.

You don’t have to agree with every German policy to recognize what this ambassador is doing. But you have to admire the dedication to putting things right.

From the darkest depths of history, to the brightest lights of Israel's future, Steffen Seibert is on the front lines.

Watch the full interview. See for yourself.