Chancellor Merz Arrives in the Region With Reconciliation on the Agenda
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the region on Saturday for his first trip to Israel since taking office, aiming to steady long-standing ties that were strained during the Gaza war. After talks in Jordan with King Abdullah II, Merz flew to Israel on Saturday evening and is due to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Sunday. He is also expected to visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.
Historical Context and Personal Reflection
Germany's postwar foreign policy has made firm support for Israel a cornerstone, shaped by the legacy of Nazi Germany's industrial-scale murder of Jews. Merz has publicly acknowledged that history: during the September reopening of Munich's synagogue — which had been severely damaged under the Nazis — he was visibly emotional.
Tensions Since the Gaza War
Relations between Berlin and Jerusalem were tested after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and the subsequent Gaza war. Since taking office in May, Merz has criticized aspects of Israel's military campaign that has resulted in large numbers of Palestinian casualties and in August moved to restrict some weapons exports intended for use in Gaza. Following a fragile, US-backed ceasefire and hostage deal that ended full-scale fighting, Germany lifted those export restrictions.
Local health authorities report that more than 350 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have been killed since the ceasefire, and the United Nations has warned that Israel is still not allowing enough humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Diplomacy With Palestinians and Calls For Reform
Before departing Berlin, Merz spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. A German government spokesman said Merz reaffirmed support for a two-state solution and urged the PA to carry out "urgently necessary reforms" so it can play a constructive role in any postwar arrangements.
Reception In Israel
Israeli commentators say the visit is intended as a "signal of continued support." Michael Rimmel of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation noted that while bilateral relations have been strained, they remain stronger than some assume — though Berlin's leverage over Prime Minister Netanyahu appears limited.
Critics, including Gil Shohat of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, argued that Merz risks legitimizing Netanyahu's hard-right government amid allegations of war crimes and corruption, calling the timing problematic.
Defence Cooperation Endures
Despite political tensions, military ties have continued. Germany recently activated the first phase of the Israeli-made Arrow missile-defence system under a reported $4.5 billion agreement, described in some reports as the largest arms export in Israeli history. Berlin has also sought Israeli expertise on counter-drone systems. The German-Israeli Society has urged the visit to focus on "repairing damaged relations," noting that defence cooperation has become more reciprocal.
Note: This report combines official statements, local health authority figures and commentary from German and Israeli foundations to present the diplomatic and security dimensions of Chancellor Merz's trip.
