Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone on Monday. According to the federal government spokesperson, Stefan Kornelius, the Chancellor affirmed the German government’s strong support for a “diplomatic understanding” between the United States and Iran. Merz indicated that Germany would be prepared to assist in “ensuring the free navigation” through the Strait of Hormuz once the conflict subsides, provided the necessary conditions are met.
Kornelius also reported that Merz encouraged Netanyahu to initiate “direct peace talks with the Lebanese government” and called for an end to hostilities in southern Lebanon, urging Hezbollah to lay down its arms. Furthermore, the Federal Chancellor expressed “deep concern” regarding the situation in the Palestinian territories, stressing that a “de facto annexation” of the West Bank must not take place.