German chancellor says criticism of Israel necessary during visit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Israel's war on Gaza has presented "Germany with a certain dilemma" during his first visit to Israel. 

Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Merz reiterated Germany's support for a two-state solution and its support for Israel's war against Hamas.

However, he balanced his remarks by stating that "as a country at war, as a democratic constitutional state, Israel must also be measured against international law".

The German chancellor also called on Israel to take steps to ensure no further "annexation [of the West Bank], whether formal, structural, or otherwise, that would amount to annexation".