Overview

• Israeli President Isaac Herzog and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier launched a historic double state visit to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations.
• Steinmeier called for the immediate lifting of Israel's blockade on Gaza to allow humanitarian and medical aid, emphasizing the urgency of civilian protection.
• Herzog defended Israel’s adherence to international humanitarian law and reiterated that Hamas’s release of hostages is critical to resolving the conflict.
• Both leaders expressed concern over rising antisemitism in Germany, which has intensified since the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
• The presidents highlighted the deep friendship between their nations, rooted in post-Holocaust reconciliation, while acknowledging current policy disagreements over Gaza.