Government condemns anti-Semitic incidents at Berlin protest

BERLIN – The German government on Monday condemned anti-Semitic incidents that have taken place during protests in cities across Germany in recent days.

The demonstrations were called in response to President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and the announced move of the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump's decision has been widely condemned as undermining efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said the burning of Israeli flags and anti-Semitic insults directed at Israel and Jews were "shameful." Seibert said Germany feels a close affinity to Israel and Jews around the world, and will therefore counter anti-Semitic incitement whenever it occurs.

"No differences of opinion, including over the question of the status of Jerusalem, justify such actions," Chancellor Angela Merkel said later Monday. Authorities "must intervene with all the means available to the state of law," she added.