German Chancellor Friedrich Merz engaged in a phone conversation with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday, fostering a friendly dialogue that emphasizes diplomatic relations. According to government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius, Merz reiterated Germany’s backing of US President Trump’s peace initiative and commended the Palestinian Authority’s cooperative stance. He emphasized the necessity for urgent reforms to empower the Authority to assume a constructive role in a potential post-conflict framework, with the aim of achieving a two-state solution that ensures long-term security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Upcoming inaugural visit to Israel and Jordan
Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is set to embark on his first official visit to Israel and Jordan this weekend. His journey begins in the Jordanian capital of Amman, where he will meet with King Abdullah II. Later, he will visit Jerusalem to meet Israeli President Izchak Herzog and engage in discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday. His itinerary also includes interactions with representatives of civil society and a trip to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, a customary aspect of inaugural visits by German leaders. Additionally, Merz intends to meet with former Hamas hostages and the families of those who lost their lives in the conflict.
Context of delayed visit and ongoing conflict
This visit comes after a considerable delay; unlike former Chancellor Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz, who visited Israel shortly after taking office, Merz has waited seven months. This postponement is largely due to the recent Gaza war, ignited by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and numerous hostages. The Israeli military’s subsequent offensive in Gaza has reportedly caused around 70,000 casualties, with some estimates suggesting the death toll could be as high as 126,000. The escalating violence and challenging security conditions have significantly hindered diplomatic travels to the region.
Despite a ceasefire officially taking effect on October 10, tensions remain high, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violating the terms of the ceasefire. Hamas claims that the Israeli army has moved the agreed-upon troop withdrawal line further west, leading to renewed violence; local hospitals reported that over 20 individuals were killed and more than 50 injured by Israeli strikes in late November.
The anticipated discussions during Merz’s visit are expected to focus on stabilizing the ceasefire and advancing the peace process, including plans for Hamas disarmament and the establishment of an international peacekeeping presence. The German government has yet to clarify the extent of its potential involvement in these initiatives.
Moreover, recent changes in arms export policies have come into play, with Germany lifting a temporary embargo on arms shipments to Israel, which had strained relations between the two nations. Israel is now seeking to receive authorized arms shipments from Germany, including components for its Merkava tanks.
Financial support for the Palestinian Authority is also a critical topic during this diplomatic visit. Germany and the European Union have historically provided assistance to help the PA maintain essential state functions in governance, education, and healthcare. However, these aid efforts are currently under scrutiny due to ongoing concerns regarding the PA’s financial support programs for prisoners and families of deceased attackers, often referred to as “martyr payments.”
Both Israeli and EU officials assert that these payments continue, with Israel alleging that they represent hundreds of millions of euros, thereby complicating the aid dynamic as the EU has pledged 1.6 billion euros for Gaza’s reconstruction and Germany plans an additional 30 million euros. Nonetheless, both Germany and the EU emphasize that their assistance is conditioned on strict oversight to prevent misallocation of funds.
As Merz navigates this complex landscape, he faces the challenge of balancing Germany’s support for the Palestinian Authority while addressing concerns over the allocation of aid. Moreover, the international arrest warrant issued against Prime Minister Netanyahu adds another layer of complexity to the discussions, leaving it unclear how Merz’s administration will approach this sensitive issue.