Friedrich Merz

German intelligence flags rise in AfD's right-wing extremist potential

The AfD rejects the accusations that its views are extremist and has said the intelligence service's assessments are politically motivated.

 Maximilian Krah, Alternative for Germany (AfD) party member and member of the European Parliament of the Identity and Democracy (ID) group, speaks during the European election assembly 2023 of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Magdeburg, Germany, July 29, 2023.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses delegates during a high-level meeting of heads of state on a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians at United Nations headquarters in New York City, U.S., September 22, 2025.

UN secretary-general, world leaders praise US, Iran for reaching peace agreement

US Army soldiers carry a simulated casualty into a MEDEVAC vehicle during NATO's Sword 26 exercise, which tests new battlefield evacuation methods using drones and AI-assisted medical technology in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, May 11, 2026.

US weighing accelerated troop drawdown in Europe - report

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz with Berlin's Chabad rabbi, Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, at Berlin's synagogue.

Germany's Merz visits Berlin's Chabad brass with officials in solidarity with rising antisemitism


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

The company said that it was an internal decision by Lufthansa Cargo to impose an embargo on all military and security cargo

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

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