BERLIN: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will make his first official visit to Israel in December at a time of heightened tensions in the region, the German government said on Friday.
The German leader will arrive in Israel on December 6 and meet with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial on December 7.
“In addition to bilateral relations, the continued stabilization of the Gaza ceasefire and other international issues will be at the center of discussions,” said deputy spokesperson Steffen Meyer.
The announcement comes days after Berlin decided to lift a partial arms embargo on Israel, imposed in August as a reaction to an escalation in its military offensive in Gaza.
Germany has been one of Israel’s staunchest supporters as it seeks to atone for the legacy of the Holocaust.
