Overview
- At a joint news conference with Benjamin Netanjahu, Merz reaffirmed Germany will always stand by Israel while urging better humanitarian access in Gaza, a phased two‑state pathway and a halt to any annexation steps in the West Bank.
- Merz said criticism of Israeli government policy is legitimate but must never be used as a pretext for antisemitism, stressing Germany’s responsibility rooted in the Shoah.
- He stated Germany will not recognize a Palestinian state in the foreseeable future, arguing recognition should come only at the end of negotiations under the US‑brokered plan that includes Hamas disarmament.
- Asked about a reciprocal visit, Merz said an invitation to Netanjahu is not on the agenda given the ICC arrest warrant, while Netanjahu said he would welcome a trip to Germany.
- Relations have begun to recover after Germany’s partial arms embargo expired at the end of November, even as Netanjahu rejected an independent Palestinian state while speaking of opportunities for broader regional peace.