German leader following meeting with President Herzog in Jerusalem said his country "will always stand by your side"
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Israel on Saturday night for his first visit to the Jewish state since the conservative party leader took office in May.
He was scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Sunday and was hosted by President Isaac Herzog at his official residence in the Israeli capital on Saturday, with Herzog following their meeting calling the two countries “true friends” and strategic allies.
“During our meeting this evening, we discussed the importance of implementing President [Donald] Trump’s plan, approved by the United Nations Security Council, and emphasized that Hamas must be removed from Gaza and disarmed,” Herzog stated. “In addition, Hamas must uphold the agreement and release the last remaining Israeli hostage still being held in Gaza, Ran Gvili.”