Germany’s Merz meets Netanyahu under shadow of Israel’s war on Gaza

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Israel on December 7, 2025, for his inaugural visit amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Merz affirmed Germany's support for a two-state solution, envisioning a Palestinian state alongside Israel. However, he stated that Germany would not recognize a Palestinian state in the near future, differing from other European nations. Netanyahu rejected the two-state solution, claiming the goal of a Palestinian state is to destroy the Jewish state, and stated the annexation of the occupied West Bank remains a topic of discussion. The visit occurred under the backdrop of Israel's war on Gaza, with Merz reaffirming Germany's unwavering support for Israel.

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