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Merz reaffirms Germany's support for Israel amid Gaza conflict
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Israel on Saturday, December 6, marking his first trip since assuming office. During his visit, Merz reaffirmed Germany's long-standing support for Israel while addressing concerns over the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Merz met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem and described the visit as an opportunity to emphasize that supporting Israel remains a central principle of German foreign policy. Earlier, he held discussions with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, focusing on the fragile peace process in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
The chancellor called for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and urged Hamas fighters to disarm. He reaffirmed Germany’s commitment, alongside Jordan, to a negotiated two-state solution, emphasizing that terrorism and antisemitism have no place in the region’s future.
Hamas indicated willingness to hand over its weapons to the Palestinian authority in Gaza, provided Israeli occupation ends, and expressed openness to UN monitoring forces to ensure compliance with a ceasefire.
Despite previous criticism of Israel’s military campaign, which has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, Merz stressed that Israel has the right to defend itself. The visit also includes a planned stop at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Merz also spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, highlighting the need for urgent reforms within the PA to ensure a constructive role in postwar reconstruction.
