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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany’s reconciliation with Israel was one of the “greatest achievements” since World War II, while stressing that Berlin’s support for Israel is not unconditional.
Speaking to German public broadcaster ARD, Merz said Israel’s willingness to reach out to Germany after the events of World War II had not been something that could be taken for granted.
He added that Germany therefore had an even greater responsibility to defend Israel’s right to exist.
“I will not move back a single millimeter on this,” he said.
Asked whether all Israeli actions in Gaza over recent months and years could be considered self-defense, Merz answered clearly: “No.”
He also criticized Israel’s illegal E1 settlement project, which aims to separate East Jerusalem from the West Bank.
“What is happening there violates international law, and we say that very clearly and openly,” Merz said.
Merz emphasized that Germany’s support for Israel was not without limits.
He pointed to Berlin’s decision in August last year to impose restrictions on arms supplies to Israel as an example of that position.
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