German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, calling Germany’s support for Israel “unchanged” while urging progress on the second phase of the US-brokered ceasefire plan.
Merz backed peace efforts and reiterated Germany’s long-held support for a two-state solution, while criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza as putting Berlin in a “dilemma.” He also defended Germany’s temporary arms-export pause, saying it was tied to Israel’s planned Gaza invasion and has since been lifted.
Netanyahu said Israel had achieved the goals of the ceasefire’s first phase and that the next step is “disarming Hamas.” He rejected a two-state solution and said he will meet US President Donald Trump this month.
Merz’s visit comes as Germany faces criticism over continued military support for Israel and rising anti-Israel protests at home.