Friedrich Merz

EU leaders agree on joint borrowing to fund Ukraine, set aside plan to use Russian frozen assets

The leaders also gave the European Commission a mandate to continue work on a so-called reparations loan based on Russian immobilized assets, but that option proved unworkable for now.

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaks with European Council President Antonio Costa as they attend a European Union leaders' summit in Brussels, Belgium, December 18, 2025.
 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks during an industrial sector association BDI event in Berlin, Germany, June 23, 2025.

Germany sees reality: Why a Palestinian state is no longer realistic - opinion

Pope Leo XIV addresses the crowd during a meeting with bishpops, priests consacrated persons and personal workers at the shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, northeast of the capital Beirut, on December 1, 2025.

'A just and lasting peace': Pope Leo calls for dialogue after meeting Ukraine's Zelensky

 Lufthansa cargo aircraft is pictured at Frankfurt airport, Germany, November 27, 2020

Lufthansa Cargo imposes embargo on Israel‑bound military, security cargo


Merz visit highlights new strategic, and strained, Germany-Israel bond - analysis

Notably, Germany opposed various sanctions proposals in the EU. It is one of the few countries Israel can count on to at least abstain from one-sided UN General Assembly resolutions.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog (R) and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, December 6, 2025.

Merz visit to Israel shows bilateral relations remain strong, former amb. to Germany tells 'Post'

“Since 2008, when Angela Merkel visited Israel and spoke of Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security and survival, it has become not just about a commitment of Germany to Israel," but to both sides.

Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz holds a joint press conference with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, December 7, 2025.

Netanyahu ‘not leaving’ politics for pardon, PM says next to Germany’s Friedrich Merz

Netanyahu also praised the Israel–Germany cooperation in high-tech, AI, and quantum technologies.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz holds a joint press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, December 7, 2025   Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen in a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in Jerusalem, December 7, 2025

Israel will not annex West Bank soon, Netanyahu assures Germany's Friedrich Merz

Friedrich Merz: Germany believes Israel should have conducted war differently • German chancellor explains imposing, removal of arms embargo

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz holds a joint press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, December 7, 2025

Netanyahu trial: Court cancels Monday hearing due to ‘urgent diplomatic meeting’

As a result, Netanyahu is now set to testify only on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. - a shortened schedule confirmed by the court.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Knesset’s 40-signature debate, November 10, 2025.

WATCH: Herzog, German Chancellor Merz discuss final Gaza hostage, Arrow 3 exchange in Jerusalem

Merz will also meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu on Sunday morning, before visiting Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial later in the day.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog (R) and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, December 6, 2025.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to visit Israel following lift of partial arms embargo

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has a planned visit to Israel in January 2026, after months without European leaders coming to the Holy Land due to the Gaza war.

 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks during an industrial sector association BDI event in Berlin, Germany, June 23, 2025.

Israel finds support among visiting German influencers

President Herzog hosted nearly 200 German influencers seeking to strengthen ties with Israel.

President Isaac Herzog speaks at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, Septemeber 14, 2025.

Netanyahu, Germany’s Merz discuss Middle East issues in 'good and friendly' talk

The PMO described the conversation as “good and friendly."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Friedrich Merz. February 12, 2024

Merz invites Syrian president to Germany to discuss deportations

Merz's predecessor, Angela Merkel, oversaw an open-door policy welcoming around a million refugees to Germany, many of whom fled the Syrian civil war.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attend a press conference with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey, October 30, 2025.

'Declaring war on antisemitism in Germany': Merz tearful at synagogue reopening ceremony

"We will not tolerate antisemitism even when it is disguised under the pretense of freedom, of art, of culture, or of science," Merz said.

German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks at the reopening of the Reichenbach Synagogue. September 15, 2025.