Merz and Netanyahu Move Past Tensions, Reaffirm German-Israeli Friendship

 

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu largely overcame recent strains in bilateral relations during their meeting in Jerusalem. On Merz’s first official visit to the city, the dispute over temporarily suspended German arms exports to Israel was largely resolved, with both leaders emphasizing the special partnership between Germany and Israel.

Merz stated: “I came as a friend of this country, as a friend of Israel, fully aware that the friendship between Germany and Israel is of immeasurable value.”

In the guestbook at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, the Chancellor wrote that Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security is “part of the immutable core of relations” between the two nations. “This applies today, tomorrow, and forever.”

Netanyahu described the meeting as a “historic change” in relations, highlighting cooperation in the defense sector.

Sources - Agencies