— None of us knows today what will happen at the end. And that is why the federal government, unlike other European states, refrained from prematurely recognizing a Palestinian state. We won't do it in the near future either, Merz said.
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What are Germany's priorities regarding Palestine?
What did Merz say about the annexation of the West Bank?
Which countries have recognized Palestinian statehood?
Will Germany take part in the international peacekeeping force in the Gaza Strip?
Merz “a friend of Israel”
In September, Palestinian statehood was recognized by several key Western countries, such as Great Britain, France, Canada and Australia, although this recognition is primarily of a symbolic nature, because Palestine still lacks some of the attributes of sovereignty.
Merz, who is making his first visit to Israel as chancellor, said he came to the country “as a friend of Israel.” He avoided answering the question about Germany's possible participation in the international peacekeeping force in the Gaza Strip, the deployment of which is planned in the second phase of the American peace plan for this territory. However, he assured that Germany is ready to participate in many activities that will enable the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
The Chancellor also called on Israel not to take any actions that would lead to the annexation of the West Bank.
The annexation was mentioned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a joint press conference with the Mayor. He stated that he does not agree to the creation of a Palestinian state whose goal would be “to destroy the Jewish state”, and the annexation of the West Bank remains a subject of discussion.
