\n<\/p>\n
Netanyahu also praised the Israel\u2013Germany cooperation in high-tech, AI, and quantum technologies.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanayhu confirmed he would not leave political life for a presidential pardon during a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz<\/a> on Sunday.<\/p>\n \u201cThey are very concerned with my future,\u201d he laughed. \u201cWell, so are the voters, and they will decide, obviously.\u201d<\/p>\n Asked whether Berlin had invited Netanyahu for a visit amid legal sensitivities abroad, Merz said the topic was not discussed.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, 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,\u201d Netanyahu said.<\/p>\n Additionally, on the prospect of peacekeeping forces<\/a> in Gaza, he did not commit Germany to participation.<\/p>\n Pressed on steps that could amount to annexation of parts of the West Bank, Netanyahu said there was \u201cno change of the status quo.\u201d He stated that Israel currently controls security from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean and that this would continue. Merz said \u201ca permanent peace is possible,\u201d welcoming the return of hostages<\/a> and calling for movement to \u201cphase two\u201d of the plan.<\/p>\n