German Chancellor Merz to visit Israel for talks with Netanyahu

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit Israel on December 6–7, where he will hold talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, German government spokesperson Steffen Meyer said.

The meeting between Merz and Netanyahu is scheduled for December 7, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

Meyer emphasised that, alongside bilateral relations, the discussions will focus on further stabilising the ceasefire in Gaza as well as other international issues.

Merz will also visit the Yad Vashem memorial and hold talks with local representatives from society.

Germany has historically been one of Israel’s strongest allies, though it has criticised Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government for its approach during the devastating Gaza conflict.

This month, Berlin decided to resume arms sales to Israel, which had been paused since August due to the war, while stressing that the move depends on maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring substantial humanitarian assistance.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reports that between 2019 and 2023, Germany accounted for 30% of Israel’s major arms imports, mainly supplying naval equipment such as Sa’ar 6-class frigates (MEKO A-100 Light Frigates), which were deployed during the Gaza conflict.

 By Jeyhun Aghazada