German Chancellor Merz warns US and Israel over Iran operations

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

BERLIN, GERMANY — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sharply criticized Israel's settlement policies in the occupied West Bank and the ongoing US-Israeli military operations against Iran, citing the lack of a clear exit strategy.

According to a report by DW Türkçe, the statements reflect Berlin's escalating concerns over the regional conflict's potential spillover effects on European security, energy markets, and migration, as well as the viability of a two-state solution in the Middle East.

E1 annexation threatens the two-state solution

Speaking at a joint press conference with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš in Berlin, Merz argued that the Israeli government's steps regarding the E1 region would seriously jeopardize the two-state solution.

"The annexation steps discussed in Jerusalem make the two-state solution even more difficult. The Federal Government demands an immediate halt to such initiatives regarding the E1 region. This would be a massive mistake," Merz stated.

Highlighting the importance of acting alongside European partners, Merz noted that German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had been dispatched to Israel to deliver this message directly. Merz warned that the annexation of the E1 area would effectively split the West Bank in two, making an independent Palestinian state impossible. Additionally, the German Foreign Ministry recently reported a surge in attacks by Jewish settlers, noting that five Palestinian civilians were killed in just one week.

Criticism of US and Israeli operations in Iran

Addressing the military operations against Iran, Merz criticized the US and Israel for conducting strikes that lack a clear strategic conclusion. He pointed out that the attacks, which have lasted for over a week, are raising more questions every day.

"What is most concerning is the absence of a common plan on how to end this war convincingly," Merz evaluated.

Warning that Iran's counterattacks are dangerously raising tensions in the region, the German Chancellor recalled the chaos that followed interventions in Iraq and Libya. He cautioned that a similar scenario would heavily impact the region and Europe.

"We do not want an endless war. The collapse of Iran's territorial integrity and state structure is in no one's interest," Merz emphasized.

Europe seeks a diplomatic perspective

Merz stressed that Germany is directly affected by the conflict in terms of security, energy, and migration. He affirmed that Berlin is actively working with the European Union, NATO, and regional countries to develop a diplomatic perspective regarding Iran.

"Our contacts with Israel and the US are continuing. We are in coordination with our partners in Europe and the region," the Chancellor concluded.

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