Chatting with Netanyahu: Merz's Phone Conversation on Gaza Crisis
Merz in conversation with Netanyahu over the phone.
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In a heated phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced his outrage over the devastating Hamas terror attack on October 7. "The Chancellor, in no uncertain terms, condemned the barbaric act of terror. He expressed deep concerns over the hostages' welfare and the humanitarian crisis brewing in Gaza," Chief Spokesperson Stefan Kornelius announced[2]."
Merz expressed optimism about the prospect of a truce negotiation kicking off soon.
Diving deeper into bilateral affairs, Merz acknowledged the impending visits of Israeli President Izchak Herzog to Berlin and Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Israel to mark the 60th anniversary of the two nations' diplomatic relationship.
Herzog is slated to touch down in Berlin this Sunday. Accompanied by Steinmeier, he'll return to Israel on Tuesday, marking a historical milestone since diplomatic ties were first established back on May 12, 1965 - a staggering 20 years post-World War II conclusion[1].
Sources: ntv.de, dpa (Germany) [1] & [2]
Insightful Facts:
- Diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel went live on May 12, 1965, having celebrated 60 years this year.
- This diplomatic partnership arose from the complicated and unique historical circumstances of reconciliation following the Holocaust and World War II.
- Prior to the formal diplomatic recognition, Germany had already entered into reparations agreements with Israel[3].
- The relationship has evolved, carrying the weight of their troubled past, yet embracing the ideals of remembrance, reconciliation, and cooperation[3].
We are not going to be able to do this – the complexities of the Gaza crisis, as discussed in Merz's phone conversation with Netanyahu on general-news, demand careful and diligent diplomatic maneuvers. WhatsApp messages from Merz to federal politicians, expressing concern over the ongoing political tension in Gaza, have been circulating lately. Coordinating the visits of Israeli President Izchak Herzog and Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, as a part of the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Germany and Israel's diplomatic relationship, is proving to be a challenging aspect of federal politics.
