Jerusalem, 7 December, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and german chancellor Friedrich Merz held a joint press conference in jerusalem on Sunday, pledging to strengthen bilateral cooperation and advance regional stability. The leaders focused on Gaza, the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Germany’s role in supporting Israel’s security. The visit is Merz’s first to Israel since he was elected chancellor in May.
Netanyahu addressed the issue of a Palestinian state directly, saying, “There are differences of opinion. The goal of establishing a Palestinian state is to destroy the Jewish state. They had a state and they tried to destroy Israel from it.” He added that Israel remains open to peace but will not allow a Palestinian state alongside it.
“The Palestinian Authority is interested in peace without Israel. They do not want a Palestinian state alongside Israel. They want a Palestinian state instead of Israel. Everyone says, ‘Well, they will change.’ Well, we’ll see if they change,” Netanyahu insisted.
The prime minister outlined Israel’s phased approach to Gaza, noting that Phase B of the ceasefire is more challenging than the first phase, with Phase C aimed at deradicalizing the Strip. “We will achieve the disarmament of Hamas and demilitarize Gaza,” he said.
Netanyahu also highlighted the strategic importance of the German-Israeli relationship, saying, “Not only does Germany work to defend Israel, but israel, 80 years after the Holocaust, also works to defend Germany. We can continue this cooperation, which comes not only on a security basis but also on a technological one. We have extremely talented people in all the subjects that will change humanity.” The prime minister was referring to the deployment of Israel’s Arrow-3 air defense system in Germany on Wednesday.
Merz emphasized Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security and condemned Hamas’s actions. “At Yad Vashem, Germany’s responsibility becomes tangible, and therefore we will always stand by Israel’s security and its right to exist. After the terrorist attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, Germany stood by Israel. We mourned together and shared concerns for the fate of the kidnapped,” he said.
The chancellor also called for implementing the next stage of the peace plan facilitated by former U.S. President Donald Trump. “A peace agreement was concluded thanks to Trump, and we need to implement the second phase of the peace plan. Lasting peace is possible—the Palestinian state and a two-state solution can only be implemented through negotiations,” Merz said, adding that Hamas “cannot have a role in Gaza. It cannot pose a threat to Israel.”
Merz arrived in Israel on Saturday night and met with President Isaac Herzog at his official residence. Herzog described the two nations as “true friends” and welcomed Germany’s involvement in Gaza, particularly regarding the release of the last Israeli hostage, Ran Gvili. “We also discussed ways to further deepen our vital partnership, in the hope of a better future,” Herzog said.
“We have become very close friends, and for me to see the Arrow-3 missiles being installed in Germany to defend Germany and Europe, Israeli-made products, is something very unique and moving and important,” Herzog added. Merz said the Gaza ceasefire is stabilizing and urged swift progress on the next phase.
Before departing for Israel, Merz spoke with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas, calling for urgent reforms and a constructive post-war role, while reaffirming Germany’s support for the Trump administration’s peace plan. The leaders also plan to discuss humanitarian aid for Gaza, regional stability, and the safety of Jewish communities in Germany.
Merz’s itinerary also includes visits with relatives of victims of Hamas’s October 7 attack.
Around 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken captive by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. The body of Israeli Police Master Sgt. Ran Gvili is the last remaining in Gaza.
Related Topics
