"Merz's trip is playing out under the shadow of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza although Merz, leader of one of Israel's staunchest supporters, does not consider it a genocide. Merz told the news conference that Germany, one of Israel's most unwavering allies, wanted a new Middle East that recognised a Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel, and that negotiations on the creation of such a state must begin now."
"But Netanyahu said that the Israeli public was opposed to any two-state solution, and that the political annexation of the occupied West Bank a concern raised by Merz and also rejected by the administration of United States President Donald Trump remained a subject of discussion, although the status quo was expected to remain for the foreseeable future. The purpose of a Palestinian state is to destroy the Jewish state, Netanyahu claimed without expanding."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz affirmed support for Israel and called for immediate negotiations to establish a Palestinian state recognized alongside Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a two-state solution, saying the Israeli public opposed it and arguing that a Palestinian state would seek to destroy the Jewish state. Netanyahu said political annexation of the occupied West Bank remained under discussion but expected the status quo to continue for the foreseeable future. Netanyahu also reported that the first phase of the US Gaza plan was nearly complete and anticipated important discussions to pursue its second phase. Merz's visit occurred amid international concern over Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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