German Chancellor Merz Makes First Visit to Israel, Reinforces Strategic Ties

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Israel on Saturday for his first official visit since assuming office in May, holding high-level talks with Israeli leaders and reaffirming Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security amid regional instability.

Merz met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday in Jerusalem after being hosted the night before by President Isaac Herzog, who hailed the countries as “true friends and strategic allies.” The leaders discussed bilateral cooperation, support for President Donald Trump’s peace plan, and the disarmament of Hamas in Gaza.

Merz’s visit comes at a time of growing German-Israeli defense cooperation, highlighted by last week’s delivery of the Arrow 3 missile defense system to Germany the largest defense export in Israeli history. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed Merz at Ben Gurion Airport, calling Germany an “important partner” and citing the recent lifting of arms embargoes and Germany’s abstention on extending UNRWA’s mandate.

“The ceasefire in Gaza is stabilizing,” Merz wrote on X. “Now we must successfully move into the second phase permanently removing the basis for Hamas’s terror and improving Gaza’s humanitarian situation.”

In a notable shift, Merz also spoke with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas ahead of his trip, urging key reforms and suggesting the P.A. could play a “constructive role” post-war. Despite endorsing a two-state solution, Merz reiterated Berlin’s support for the Trump peace framework.

During his speech to Herzog, Merz highlighted the “miracle” of German-Israeli ties so soon after the Holocaust, writing in Hebrew “We will always stand by your side.”

Germany has taken a firmer pro-Israel stance than many European states following Hamas’s Oct. 7 massacre. Yet tensions remain, including Merz’s August ban on offensive weapon exports to Israel amid IDF escalations in Gaza.

The visit, coupled with expanding defense and diplomatic cooperation, marks a critical step in deepening German-Israeli ties during a volatile period in the region. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.