Merz Reaffirms Germany’s 'Unchanging' Support for Israel on Visit to Yad Vashem

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed Berlin's commitment to Israel during a solemn visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem on Sunday, ahead of planned talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Arriving in Israel for his first trip since ties were strained by the Gaza war, Merz paid tribute to the victims of the Holocaust and stressed Berlin's continuing responsibility. "Germany must stand up for the existence and security of Israel," he said, adding that this stance remains "the unchanging core principle" of German foreign policy.

No Place For Antisemitism

On a brief stop in Jordan, Merz met King Abdullah II to discuss prospects for peace in the region. He urged increased humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, reiterated support for a negotiated two-state solution and called on Hamas fighters to lay down their arms. "There can be no place for terrorism and antisemitism in this shared future," Merz said.

"Given the legacy of Nazi Germany's industrial-scale murder of Jews, German leaders have long seen unflinching support for Israel as a bedrock of the country's foreign policy."

Diplomacy and Reassurances

Merz was met at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and later held talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Before departing Berlin he also spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, urging urgently needed reforms within the PA so it can play a constructive role in any postwar order.

Security, Criticism And Defence Ties

While Merz has publicly criticised aspects of Israel's military campaign in Gaza—saying its actions posed dilemmas for Germany—he also affirmed Israel's right to self-defence. Earlier in the year, Germany restricted certain arms exports intended for use in Gaza; those limits were eased after a US-backed ceasefire and hostage deal.

Despite political tensions, military cooperation continues: Germany activated the first phase of the Israeli-made Arrow missile defence system as part of a reported $4.5 billion defence package.

Responses From Hamas

Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya said the group would be prepared to transfer weapons in Gaza to a future Palestinian government if Israeli occupation ends, and that it could accept UN forces as a separation force to guarantee a ceasefire—while rejecting international efforts aimed at disarming the militants.

Context And Casualties

The Gaza war was triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Independent tallies and local health authorities have reported heavy casualties on both sides; figures cited in reporting are treated with caution and described by the UN as credible where specified. The conflict has strained relations but not severed strategic ties between Germany and Israel.

Key contacts during the trip: Gideon Saar (Foreign Minister), President Isaac Herzog, King Abdullah II (Jordan), and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.