Merz reaffirms Germany’s support for Israel in first official visit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed Berlin’s unwavering support for Israel on Sunday during a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, ahead of talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Merz, on his first trip to Israel since taking office, said Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security remained “deeply anchored” in its historical responsibility for the Holocaust. His visit comes after months de tension over Israel’s conduct in Gaza and attacks by extremist settlers in the occupied West Bank.

Speaking at Yad Vashem, Merz insisted that Germany “must defend Israel’s existence and security”, before heading into a meeting with Netanyahu, who faces growing international isolation.

Discussions are expected to centre on efforts to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, part of President Donald Trump’s proposal aimed at ending the war triggered by Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack.

Upon his arrival Saturday, Merz was greeted by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who described him as a “friend of Israel”. He also met President Isaac Herzog, stressing that supporting Israel “remains an essential pillar” of German foreign policy.

Merz defended his earlier decision to impose a partial arms embargo on Israel during the height of the bombardments in Gaza, saying the situation created “dilemmas”, but insisted there was “no fundamental divergence” between the two countries. The embargo was lifted in late November after the current fragile truce took effect.

Before flying to Israel, Merz called Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, urging him to implement “urgent reforms” to play a constructive role in Gaza’s post-war future. Berlin, he said, continues to support a two-state solution, a position rejected by Netanyahu’s government.

Merz also held a brief meeting in Aqaba with King Abdullah II of Jordan, who pushed for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and warned against escalating violence in the West Bank.