Overview
- He visited Yad Vashem and declared that Germany must stand up for Israel’s existence and security.
- In Jerusalem, he urged more humanitarian aid for Gaza, called on Hamas to lay down arms, and restated support for a negotiated two-state solution.
- At a joint press conference, Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a Palestinian state and said talks are nearing a phase focused on disarming Hamas.
- Germany lifted its August halt on certain weapons on November 24 with future approvals tied to ceasefire progress and aid access, while defense cooperation continues with the Arrow system’s initial operation in Germany.
- Merz conferred with Jordan’s king and PA President Mahmoud Abbas beforehand, pressing for PA reforms and regional steps toward a political process, and Berlin signaled no Netanyahu invitation is planned given the ICC warrant.