Netanyahu stated that he expects the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, which they have frequently violated with their attacks on the Gaza Strip, to begin soon.

WILL MEET WITH TRUMP

Netanyahu, who stated that he will also discuss the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during his meeting with US President Donald Trump later this month, expressed his belief that the second phase will be more difficult. Netanyahu suggested that the third phase would be the"deradicalization of Gaza," arguing that this process was "also carried out in Germany" after World War II. Netanyahu rejected Merz's call for the establishment of a Palestinian state at the meeting, stating that they do not see the Palestinian Authority as a"legitimate peace partner."

WILL NOT LEAVE POLITICS

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he would not leave politics in exchange for being pardoned in a corruption case.

GAZA EXIT FROM MERZ

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Israel's handling of attacks on the Gaza Strip had left Germany"faced with a dilemma."

"Germany must stand up for Israel's security, human dignity and justice. As a country at war and a democratic constitutional state, Israel must also be measured against international law," Merz said.

WARNED AGAINST ACTIONS

Reiterating Berlin's commitment to a two-state solution, Merz argued that recognition of the State of Palestine could be"at the end, not the beginning," of the peace process, and warned the Tel Aviv administration against any political or structural actions that could"constitute the annexation" of the occupied West Bank by Israel.

Referring to the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, Merz said,"Hamas cannot have a role in Gaza. It cannot pose a threat to Israel." He continued:

"Thanks to Trump, a peace agreement was signed, and we need to implement the second phase of the peace plan. Lasting peace is possible. A Palestinian state and a two-state solution can only be realized through negotiations."

Merz, who advocates for the complete disarmament of Hamas in Gaza, said,"I think the Palestinian Authority is ready for reform, but no steps have been taken so far. I spoke with Mahmoud Abbas. Germany does not recognize the State of Palestine because no one knows what will happen in the end; the prerequisites have not yet been met. It is important to ensure that there is a way to ensure Israel's security."