Sa’ar welcomes Merz to Israel on German leader’s first visit as chancellor

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar receives German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at Ben Gurion Airport upon the leader’s first visit to Israel since being elected in May.

“I was pleased to welcome [Merz] on his first visit to Israel as chancellor,” says Sa’ar in a statement from his office, adding that “relations between the two countries are on an upward trajectory.”

Sa’ar cites several recent steps as evidence of Germany’s support, including its decision last month to lift a partial arms embargo it imposed in August, Berlin’s “clear opposition to all forms of boycotts against Israel,” and its abstention at the United Nations last month on a vote to extend the mandate of UNRWA — the agency for Palestinians that Israel says has been infiltrated by terror groups. He also notes that Merz’s visit follows Israel’s landmark sale of its Arrow 3 missile defense system to the country last week.

“Germany is a valued friend and partner, and I am convinced that the chancellor’s visit will contribute to strengthening the special relationship between our countries,” Sa’ar says.

Merz is set to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Jerusalem office at 11 a.m. tomorrow, where the two are expected to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and other regional issues. The chancellor will also visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial center and meet with local representatives during his two-day visit.