German Chancellor Friedrich Merz concluded his inaugural official trip to Israel this weekend, reinforcing the deep diplomatic and security bonds between the two nations. The visit, which began on Saturday, December 6, 2025, featured high-level talks with Israeli leaders centered on regional stability and bilateral cooperation.
High-Level Talks in Jerusalem
Chancellor Merz met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the latter's office in Jerusalem on Sunday. The discussions were expanded to include senior Israeli defence and foreign policy officials, as well as Germany's Ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert. This marked Merz's first journey to the Jewish state since assuming office in May.
At a joint press conference following their meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed gratitude for the visit. He highlighted the profound nature of the current defence cooperation between Israel and Germany, especially significant nearly eight decades after the Holocaust. Netanyahu stated that they explored ways to continue and strengthen this crucial security partnership.
Agreements, Disagreements, and a Vision for Peace
The leaders covered a wide range of critical topics. Netanyahu confirmed they discussed opportunities for peace, ending Hamas rule in Gaza, and deradicalizing the population of the Gaza Strip. However, a point of respectful disagreement emerged on the issue of Palestinian statehood.
Netanyahu articulated Israel's position, asserting that the purpose of such a state, as currently envisioned by some, "is to destroy the one and only Jewish state." He outlined Jerusalem's alternative path: "We believe in a path to advance peace with the Arab states and a path also to establish a workable peace with our Palestinian neighbours. But we’re not going to create a state that will be committed to our destruction at our doorstep."
Beyond security, the Prime Minister also touted the technological alliance between the two advanced nations, suggesting their joint work could improve lives globally and particularly in the Middle East.
A Message of Friendship and Remembrance
Following the talks, Chancellor Merz took to the social media platform X to convey a message of solidarity. "I wish for the Israeli people that, after years of terror and war, a better time will dawn," he wrote. "That decision will be made that leads to peace and good neighbourly relations. Germany will stand by your side in friendship." He added that a new foundation for the region must be built, aiming for a Middle East where Israel is fully recognized.
The chancellor's itinerary also included a solemn visit to Yad Vashem, Israel's national Holocaust memorial, on Sunday. There, he stated, "I bow before the six million men, women and children from all across Europe who were murdered by Germans because they were Jews."
The visit commenced on Saturday with a meeting hosted by Israeli President Isaac Herzog at his official residence in Jerusalem. President Herzog welcomed Merz warmly, calling the two countries "true friends" and important strategic allies, a sentiment underscoring the enduring and complex relationship between Israel and Germany.
