31.08.2026 14:42
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described his country's relations with Israel as one of the most important achievements since World War II, while making striking statements regarding Gaza. Stating that not all actions carried out by Israel in recent months and years can be considered within the scope of self-defense, Merz also said that the E1 settlement project, which aims to separate East Jerusalem from the West Bank, is contrary to international law.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who gave a strong message of support from Germany to Israel, drew a different line on Gaza. Merz said that not all actions carried out by Israel can be seen as self-defense.
"I WILL NOT STEP BACK EVEN ONE MILLIMETER"
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz evaluated his country's policy towards Israel in an interview with the German public broadcaster ARD. Drawing attention to the historical relations between the two countries, Merz said, "The reconciliation between Germany and Israel is one of the most remarkable things we have achieved after the Second World War. The fact that Israel extended a hand to Germany after the terrible events that took place there was not something that came naturally." Stating that for this reason, Germany today must defend Israel's right to exist more strongly, Merz expressed his stance with the words, "I will not step back even one millimeter on this issue."
"NOT ALL ACTIONS CARRIED OUT BY ISRAEL ARE SELF-DEFENSE"
Merz was also asked whether all of Israel's actions in Gaza in recent months and years could be considered within the scope of "self-defense." The German Chancellor openly answered "No" to this question. Merz's statement revealed that while he strongly continues his support for Israel's right to exist, he does not consider all actions of the Israeli government in Gaza within the same scope.
HARSH REACTION TO THE E1 SETTLEMENT PROJECT
The German Chancellor also made assessments regarding Israel's E1 settlement project, which aims to separate East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Stating that the Berlin administration strongly criticizes the project, Merz said, "What is happening there is contrary to international law, and we express this very clearly and openly." Thus, Merz pointed out that the support given to Israel does not mean that every decision taken by the Israeli government is supported by Germany.
"OUR SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL IS NOT UNCONDITIONAL"
Merz also emphasized that Germany's support for Israel is not unconditional. In this context, he recalled Germany's decision last August to impose restrictions on arms supplies to Israel. While Merz's statements highlighted the message that support for Israel's right to exist will continue, it was also seen that Berlin's critical stance regarding the actions in Gaza and the E1 settlement project continues.