"The center in Germany is collapsing": The pincer movement that worries Israel

The victories of the far-right and far-left in local elections in Germany, including the record achievement of Die Linke in Berlin, point to the collapse of the traditional political center and raise concern in Israel and the Jewish community.

The victories of the far-right and far-left in local elections in Germany, including the record achievement of the far-left party Die Linke in Berlin, which won a large relative majority, join a similar achievement by the far-right AfD party in two districts in recent weeks. This pincer movement, in which extremists strengthen at the expense of the political center, raises serious concern in Jerusalem and in German society. Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor said this is an "immediate existential threat" to the Jewish community, and called on Die Linke to present a plan to combat hatred of Israel within its ranks. The AfD party is, according to polls, the largest party in Germany with about 28% support, while support for Chancellor Merz stands at only 13% - the lowest in decades. The growth of extremist parties comes against a backdrop of public frustration with the economic situation and immigration policy.