German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on Israel to abandon any plans for the annexation of territories in the West Bank, emphasizing the detrimental impact such actions could have on the viability of a two-state solution. During a press conference with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, Merz reiterated that discussions of annexation steps in Jerusalem would complicate the already fragile peace process by undermining Palestinian territories. He specifically pointed to the so-called E1 area, highlighting that any movement toward annexation would be a significant error for the Israeli government.

Merz's remarks come amid rising international concerns surrounding Israel's recent actions to expand control in Palestinian territories, particularly following a controversial move to register Israeli state property in the West Bank. Such measures have not only drawn criticism from the Palestinian leadership but have also sparked reactions from the international community. The German government has expressed a pressing need to prevent any such steps that could exacerbate tensions and threaten prospects for peace in the region.

Moreover, Merz voiced serious concerns regarding the planning strategies of the U.S. and Israel related to their ongoing military engagements, particularly concerning the conflict with Iran. He highlighted that these strategies could contribute to further instability in the already volatile Middle East, suggesting that collaborative efforts must steer away from exacerbating conflict and focus instead on diplomatic solutions that foster peace and security for all parties involved.