German Chancellor appeals to Israel and Iran to avoid escalation and emphasizes "Israel has the right to self-defense."
German Chancellor Merz appealed on Friday to Israel and Iran to avoid any "further escalation" that might "jeopardize the stability of the entire region," while emphasizing "Israel has the right to self-defense."
Chancellor Merz said he had "been informed" about this military operation this morning by Prime Minister Netanyahu and immediately convened a government security cabinet meeting. According to a statement from the Chancellery, measures will be taken to protect German citizens in the Middle East and strengthen protection for Israel and Jewish interests in Germany.
He emphasized that Berlin "has been concerned about the progress of Iran's nuclear program for many years," and mentioned the resolution passed the previous day by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Council, which was proposed by Germany, France, and the UK, condemning Tehran's "non-compliance" with its nuclear obligations.
Prime Minister Merz also said that Iran's nuclear program "violates the regulations of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and poses a serious threat to the entire region, especially the State of Israel."
He added: "We reiterate that Israel has the right to defend its survival and the safety of its citizens," and insisted that "Germany is ready to use all available diplomatic means to influence the conflicting parties. The goal must be that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons."
Agence France-Presse said that like the United States, Germany is one of Israel's main supporters due to Germany's historical responsibility for the extermination of about six million Jews during the Nazi era.
However, Merz recently warned the Netanyahu government that he would no longer continue to support the Israeli government due to Israel's military intensification of its offensive against Gaza.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834833859710983/
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