Germany's Merz heads to Jordan and Israel following discussion with Abbas

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is embarking on his first official trips to Israel and Jordan after a recent phone conversation with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. His journey begins in Amman, where he is scheduled to meet King Abdullah II of Jordan.

Later on Saturday, Merz will travel to Jerusalem for a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. On Sunday, he is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

As part of the visit, Merz will lay a wreath at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, a tradition for all German chancellors visiting Israel for the first time. The trip aims to address the recently tense relations between Germany and Israel and to support efforts in stabilizing the Gaza ceasefire.

Merz also plans meetings with former hostages from Gaza and families of those who were killed while held by Hamas.

No Planned Visit to Palestinian Territories

Before leaving Berlin, Merz spoke by phone with Palestinian President Abbas. According to a government spokesman, both leaders emphasized the importance of a negotiated two-state solution, seen as the best path to lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

A two-state solution envisions an independent Palestinian state living peacefully alongside Israel, a concept currently rejected by Netanyahus right-wing government.

Merz expressed support for US-led Gaza peace initiatives and praised the Palestinian Authoritys cooperative approach. He also called for reforms that would enable Abbass administration to contribute constructively to Gazas post-war reconstruction. The chancellor will not be visiting the Palestinian Territories during this trip.

Context of the Visit

Germany remains one of Israels closest allies alongside the United States. However, this visit comes seven months into Merzs term, a longer wait compared with his predecessors: Olaf Scholz visited Israel three months into office, and Angela Merkel traveled just two months after becoming chancellor, reflecting Germanys sense of historical responsibility.

The delay in Merzs visit was largely due to the Gaza conflict, which made travel difficult. A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has now been in effect for roughly six weeks.

Author: Ethan Caldwell