Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) spoke by phone with Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Monday. A spokesperson for the federal government, Stefan Kornelius, reported that the Chancellor strongly supports the federal government’s backing for a “diplomatic understanding” between the United States and Iran. Furthermore, Germany stated its willingness to help ensure the “free navigation” through the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities cease, provided the necessary conditions are met. Merz also “encouraged” Netanyahu to initiate “direct peace talks with the Lebanese government” and called for an end to the fighting in southern Lebanon, while demanding that Hezbollah lay down its arms. Additionally, the Chancellor expressed “great concern” regarding the developments in the Palestinian territories, asserting that a “de facto partition” of the West Bank must not occur.
Politics
