Sat Dec 06 22:30:22 UTC 2025: News Article:
German Chancellor Visits Israel Amidst Strained Relations Over Gaza Conflict
Tel Aviv, Israel – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Israel on Saturday for his first official visit since taking office, seeking to reaffirm the traditionally strong ties between Germany and Israel. However, the visit comes at a time when those ties have been strained by Germany’s growing criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Merz, who was greeted by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, held talks with President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem. He previously met with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, where discussions primarily focused on the conflict in Gaza. Merz urged for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and called for Hamas to disarm, reiterating the commitment of both Germany and Jordan to a two-state solution.
The visit, which includes a scheduled visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is complicated by growing international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Merz has previously criticized Israel’s military campaign, which has resulted in the deaths of over 70,000 Palestinians.
While Germany initially restricted weapons sales to Israel for use in Gaza, those restrictions were lifted following the US-backed ceasefire, despite continued violence and insufficient aid reaching Gaza.
Critics, like Gil Shohat from the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, condemn the visit as “normalizing” relations with Netanyahu, who faces allegations of corruption and is under investigation by the International Criminal Court. German officials have stated there are currently no plans to invite Netanyahu to Berlin.
Despite the tensions, key military cooperation continues. Germany recently activated the first phase of the Israeli-made Arrow missile defense shield, a $4.5 billion deal, the largest arms export agreement in Israeli history.
Prior to arriving in Israel, Merz spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, reiterating Germany’s support for a two-state solution and urging Abbas to implement reforms within the PA.
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