Overview
- In meetings in Jerusalem, Merz backed Israel’s right to self-defense, urged immediate humanitarian access in Gaza, and cautioned against annexation moves in the West Bank.
- He called for moving to the next phase of the U.S.-brokered Gaza plan, including the disarmament of Hamas and steps toward negotiations.
- Merz said Germany would consider recognition only after a negotiated outcome, arguing that prerequisites for Palestinian statehood are not currently in place.
- Netanyahu again rejected an independent Palestinian state and warned of resurgent antisemitism, criticizing demonstrators who display Hamas flags.
- Relations are recovering after Berlin’s partial arms embargo lapsed in late November, with both sides stressing security cooperation; Merz declined to commit to inviting Netanyahu given the ICC warrant and met former hostages after a visit to Yad Vashem.