Netanyahu also praised the Israel–Germany cooperation in high-tech, AI, and quantum technologies.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanayhu confirmed he would not leave political life for a presidential pardon during a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday.
“They are very concerned with my future,” he laughed. “Well, so are the voters, and they will decide, obviously.”
Asked whether Berlin had invited Netanyahu for a visit amid legal sensitivities abroad, Merz said the topic was not discussed.
“Well, of course, I’d be delighted to visit Germany again and speak there with the Chancellor. Bring our government together, I think that’s important. The reason we’re not going there is that there’s an ICC prosecutor,” Netanyahu said.
Additionally, on the prospect of peacekeeping forces in Gaza, he did not commit Germany to participation.
Pressed on steps that could amount to annexation of parts of the West Bank, Netanyahu said there was “no change of the status quo.” He stated that Israel currently controls security from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean and that this would continue. Merz said “a permanent peace is possible,” welcoming the return of hostages and calling for movement to “phase two” of the plan.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netnayhu meets with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, December 7, 2025. (credit: Amos Ben-Gershom (GPO))
He ruled out any role for Hamas in Gaza and argued that a Palestinian state alongside Israel is the best long-term prospect, to be achieved through negotiations with recognition only at the end.
Netanyahu rejected the creation of a state that could threaten Israel, while saying he seeks broader regional peace and a workable arrangement with the Palestinians.
“From the Jordan River, which is right here, to the Mediterranean Sea, which is right there… that will always remain in Israel’s hands,” he said.
Germany’s deployment of Arrow 3 air-defense system
Netanyahu praised the Israel–Germany cooperation in high-tech, AI, and quantum technologies.
Both leaders highlighted Germany’s deployment of Israel’s Arrow 3 air-defense system, the first outside Israel, amid claims that the Iran-led axis has been “battered” and that phase one of Israel’s plan is nearly complete, with one deceased hostage yet to be returned.