Germany vows close ties with next Israeli government

Germany says it will work closely with any new Israeli government and stressed the two countries’ “cordial” ties despite recent differences on Israel’s settlement policies.

Government spokesman Steffen Seibert says that Berlin was waiting for the official result of Tuesday’s parliamentary elections.

The Likud party of right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears set to win the election and to forge a governing coalition.

Seibert tells reporters that “Israel lies in a region with enormous challenges, which is why it’s important to form a government quickly.”

He declined to comment on Netanyahu’s possible re-election to a fifth term but said the German government “will work closely, cordially and faithfully with the new Israeli government.”

Foreign Ministry spokesman Rainer Breul says Israel is already fully aware of Germany’s concerns about Jewish settlements on occupied territory.

— AP