07.12.2025 19:01
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated during a press conference in Jerusalem with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that they have achieved their goals in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement reached with the mediation of U.S. President Donald Trump, and they expect the second phase to begin soon. Merz noted that the way Israel conducts its attacks in the Gaza Strip has put Germany "in a dilemma," expressing Berlin's support for a two-state solution.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who visited Israel, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a joint press conference in West Jerusalem following their discussions.
NETANYAHU'S MESSAGE ON "SECOND PHASE"
Netanyahu stated that the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza is nearly complete and that he expects the transition to the second phase to occur soon. He suggested that the third phase would be "the demilitarization of Gaza," arguing that this process was also "carried out in Germany after World War II."
"I WILL MEET WITH TRUMP AT THE END OF THE MONTH"
Netanyahu mentioned that he would address the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the end of this month, expressing that he believes the second phase will be more challenging. Responding to Merz's call for the establishment of a Palestinian state during the meeting, Netanyahu stated that they do not see the Palestinian Authority as a "legitimate peace partner."
NETANYAHU TOLD HIM: WE ARE COMMITTED TO A TWO-STATE SOLUTION
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Israel's manner of conducting attacks on the Gaza Strip has "put Germany in a dilemma." Merz said, "Germany must stand up for Israel's security, human dignity, and justice. As a country at war and a democratic constitutional state, Israel must also be measured according to international law."
Reiterating Berlin's commitment to a two-state solution, Merz argued that the recognition of a Palestinian state could be at the "end, not the beginning" of the peace process, warning the Tel Aviv administration against political or structural actions in the occupied West Bank that could be "interpreted as annexation" by Israel.
"A TWO-STATE SOLUTION CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH NEGOTIATIONS"
Referring to the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, Merz stated, "Hamas cannot have a role in Gaza. It cannot pose a threat to Israel." He continued, "Thanks to Trump, a peace agreement was signed, and we need to implement the second phase of the peace plan. Lasting peace is possible. A Palestinian state and a two-state solution can only be realized through negotiations."
Merz argued that Hamas must be completely disarmed in Gaza, stating, "I believe the Palestinian Authority is ready for reform, but no steps have been taken so far. I spoke with Mahmoud Abbas. Germany does not recognize a Palestinian state because no one knows what will happen in the end; the preconditions have not yet been established. It is important to ensure that there is a way to secure Israel's safety."