News|Israel-Palestine conflictGermany’s Merz meets Netanyahu under shadow of Israel’s war on GazaGerman chancellor reaffirms his country’s support for Israel on inaugural visit, despite recent turbulence over Gaza genocide.

During a recent visit to Israel, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reiterated his support for the establishment of a Palestinian state, a stance that contrasts with the position of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This visit marks Merz's first official trip to the country since assuming office.

At a joint press conference held on Sun, Dec 7, 2025, in Jerusalem, Chancellor Merz highlighted Germany's long-term vision for a Middle East where a Palestinian state coexists with Israel. However, he stated that Germany does not plan to formally recognize a Palestinian state in the near future. Merz emphasized that recognition should follow peace negotiations, aligning with the broader European stance but differing from some key European nations, such as France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, which have already extended formal recognition.

Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated the Israeli public's opposition to a two-state solution and maintained that discussions on the annexation of the occupied West Bank would continue, although no immediate changes to the status quo are anticipated.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has affected Israel-Germany relations, particularly in the realm of military cooperation. In August, Germany imposed restrictions on arms exports to Israel for use in Gaza, a decision later reversed. Despite this, Chancellor Merz affirmed that Germany's foundational support for Israel's security remains unchanged.

Recently, Germany and Israel finalized a significant arms deal involving a $4.5 billion missile defense system, marking it as the largest in Israeli history. Prime Minister Netanyahu remarked that this agreement signifies a major shift in bilateral relations, with Israel now also contributing to Germany's defense.

Merz's visit to Israel occurs relatively later in his tenure compared to his predecessors. During the visit, discussions did not include plans for a reciprocal visit by Netanyahu to Germany, particularly in light of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant for the Israeli leader.

In Berlin, public demonstrations have voiced opposition to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Germany's military support for Israel, reflecting domestic and international criticism.

Chancellor Merz reaffirmed Germany's historical and ongoing commitment to Israel's security during his visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem. His visit underscores the enduring bilateral ties between Germany and Israel, despite recent tensions.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.