German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the reconciliation between Germany and Israel was one of the most significant achievements his country had attained after World War II.
Merz said that Israel’s extending a helping hand to Germany after the horrific events was not something that had happened spontaneously.
Berlin’s support for Israel
Merz said that Germany should now defend Israel’s right to exist more resolutely and declared that it would not retreat from this position.
Merz said that not all of Israel’s actions in Gaza in recent months and years could be considered self-defense.
Criticism of the E1 project under international law
The chancellor also opposed the E1 settlement project, which he said was intended to separate East Jerusalem from the West Bank.
Merz said that developments in the E1 area violated international law and noted that Germany had clearly and unambiguously set out its position on the issue.
Restrictions imposed on arms shipments
Merz also emphasized that Germany’s support for Israel was not unconditional. He recalled that Berlin had decided to restrict arms shipments to Israel in August last year.