German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Tel Aviv on November 26, beginning his three-nation wartime trip to the Middle East. After visiting Israel, Steinmeier will travel to Oman and Qatar.
German President Steinmeier is traveling to Israel with the President of the Bundestag Bärbel Bas.
Steinmeier and his wife Elke Buedenbender were welcomed at Ben-Gurion Airport by Ron Prosor, Ambassador of Israel to Germany, and Steffen Seibert, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Israel.
In Tel Aviv, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is expected to hold meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
While Germany supports Israel in the current conflict, the country’s president has stressed that more is needed to be done for Gaza’s civilians. “Every precaution to get civilians out of the line of fire is necessary. In addition, there is the supply of the most vital necessities. That is what international humanitarian law demands, and that is what we Germans also expect.”
In a video message released on Saturday, President Steinmeier explained that he was traveling to “assure Israel of our continued solidarity – solidarity not only with Israel as a victim of terror, but also with Israel, which is defending itself,” adding that “No one can deny Israel the right to fight terror decisively.”
The German Federal President expressed joy that Hamas released a first group of hostages and thanked the negotiators. The released group of hostages included four German dual nationals.
Germany supports two-state solution
Steinmeier also expressed support for a two-state solution and stressed the need to create more long-term prospects for Palestinians.
Steinmeier said the long-sought two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict must be a political priority going forward.
“There is only one way out with a policy based on two principles: more security for Israel and at the same time more prospects for the future for the Palestinians,” Steinmeier said. “And if the end result is to be a peace that has a chance of lasting, it can only mean two states. The Palestinians must exercise their right to political self-determination and live in dignity, freedom and peace with their neighbors.”
German President is visiting Tel Aviv to show support for Israel in the wake of the October 7 attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas that killed 1,200 people and Israel’s subsequent air and ground attacks on Gaza. The Israeli attacks have killed on the small and crowded Gaza Strip have killed at least 15,000 Palestinians
Germany, a major player within the European Union, has taken a pro-Israeli stance on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Germany’s stance reflects its historical ties with Israel but also aligns with broader EU policies.