Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) held a telephone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday, according to a statement released by government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius.
During the discussion, Chancellor Merz voiced his hope for a swift agreement on the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza within the coming days. He emphasized the urgency, noting that nearly two years of conflict have passed and that the time for peace has arrived.
Merz urged that the ongoing negotiations in Egypt must now result in a rapid resolution. He stressed the need for the immediate release of all hostages, including German citizens. He also underscored the imperative of ending the fighting and for Hamas to lay down its arms.
Government spokesperson Kornelius stated that Chancellor Merz expressed his condolences and solidarity with President Herzog and the Israeli people ahead of the second anniversary of the October 7th, 2023 terror attacks. Germany reaffirmed its commitment to the existence and security of Israel, describing this as a core element of German-Israeli relations and reflecting a sustained historical responsibility.
The Chancellor also reiterated the German government’s firm stance against antisemitism, declaring that there is no place for it within Germany. He affirmed that the government will undertake all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of Jewish communities within the country.
