Press conference by Federal Chancellor Merz and Prime Minister Netanyahu on Merz’s inaugural visit to Israel
During his visit to Israel, Federal Chancellor Merz reaffirmed the unbreakable friendship between Israel and Germany and emphasised Germany’s historical responsibility. Discussions centred on the peace plan for Gaza and the situation of the civilian population.
- Transcript of press conference
- Sunday, 7 December 2025
On his first visit to Israel, Federal Chancellor Merz and Benjamin Netanyahu discussed, among other things, the implementation of the peace plan for Gaza.
Photo: Federal Government / Tobias Koch
On his visit to Israel, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasised the special importance of German-Israeli relations. Germany stands firmly behind Israel’s right to exist and its security, he said, noting that: “That is part of the inalterable core of our relationship”.
At Yad Vashem, the Federal Chancellor remembered the six million Jews murdered and emphasised Germany’s responsibility to keep alive the memory of the Nazis’ crimes. He also referred to Germany’s clear solidarity with Israel following the terrorist attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023.
At the same time, the Federal Chancellor addressed the suffering of the civilian population in Gaza and explained the temporary suspension of certain arms exports that could be used in Gaza. Thanks to the ceasefire that took effect in Gaza through the mediation of US President Trump, lasting peace is now possible, he said.
It was 60 years ago, on 12 May 1965, that Israel and the Federal Republic of Germany established diplomatic relations. The deep friendship that links the two countries today is a great gift for Germany, in full acknowledgement of the past. Since then, German-Israeli ties have extended far beyond diplomatic and political channels, and meanwhile a lively exchange has developed at the level of civil society, which has further deepened relations between the two countries and continues to this day.
The most important points in brief:
- Implementation of the peace plan: It is essential to realise the second phase, Merz said, clarifying: “Germany will help.” Germany will contribute to reconstruction and provide humanitarian support for the people of Gaza. “Above all, we will continue our diplomatic efforts to bring about peace,” said the Federal Chancellor.
- Two-state solution: The Federal Chancellor emphasised once again that a two-state solution could only be achieved through negotiations. There should be no steps toward annexation in the West Bank, he said, adding that the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel opens up the best prospects for a future in which Israelis, Palestinians and Arab neighbours can live in lasting peace and security.
- The fight against anti-Semitism: Referring to the current debate in Germany, the Federal Chancellor said: “Criticism of the Israeli government’s policies must not be misused as a pretext for anti-Semitism, especially not in Germany.” According to Merz, anyone who denies the State of Israel the right to exist is fundamentally contradicting Germany’s political identity. The Federal Government will always oppose this with all its might.
See a series of photos from the trip here:
Tel Aviv, 6 December 2025: Federal Chancellor Merz started his trip to Israel on Saturday evening. He is welcomed at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv by the Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.
Jerusalem, 6 December 2025: The Federal Chancellor then met Israel's President Isaac Herzog and signed the guest book.
Yad Vashem, 7 December 2025: On Sunday morning, Federal Chancellor Merz visited Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Here there is a palpable sense of the lasting historical responsibility that Germany bears, said the Federal Chancellor.
Yad Vashem, 7 December 2025: In a memorial ceremony, Federal Chancellor Merz laid a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance and commemorated "the 6 million men, women and children from all over Europe who were murdered by Germany because they were Jews".
Jerusalem, 7 December 2025: In a one-on-one meeting with the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Federal Chancellor spoke about Germany's enduring responsibility and the implementation of the peace plan for Gaza, among other things.
Jerusalem, 7 December 2025: In the afternoon, the Federal Chancellor met with surviving hostages and relatives of hostages who had died following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.
Read the full press statement here (in German only):