Overview
- In Ankara, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused Israel of genocide in Gaza while Friedrich Merz reaffirmed Germany’s support for Israel and its self‑defense, exposing a sharp public rift.
- Both leaders nonetheless backed de‑escalation and discussed Turkey’s role in advancing the Gaza peace plan, including leveraging contacts to move Hamas toward disarmament.
- The visit combined ceremony with concrete security moves, spotlighting Berlin’s approval of 20 Eurofighter jets for Turkey and talks on Ankara’s potential entry into the EU “Safe” defense program.
- Merz put migration high on the agenda, seeking binding returns of rejected migrants and coordination on Syria reconstruction and returns, with Ankara expected to demand concessions.
- The chancellor did not meet opposition figures and offered only restrained public criticism on rule‑of‑law concerns, prompting immediate rebukes from SPD and Green politicians at home.