Germany Urges Israel to End Attacks on Lebanon

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the fighting in southern Lebanon. Merz called on Netanyahu to hold direct peace talks with the Lebanese government.

This was conveyed by a German government spokesperson, as reported by AFP on Tuesday (14/4/2026). The urging was made by Merz during a telephone conversation with Netanyahu.

Merz also expressed his “deep concern” about developments in the Palestinian territories. He demanded that “there must be no de facto annexation of parts of the West Bank”.

The spokesperson stated that Merz offered Germany’s sustained support for efforts to “achieve a diplomatic understanding between the United States and Iran” in the war launched by Israel and the United States (US) on 28 February.

Merz initially welcomed the US-Israel attacks but has shifted to concerns due to the more serious potential global economic impacts and Iranian retaliatory strikes against Gulf states threatening to turn the conflict into a regional war.

“Germany is prepared to contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, but only after the cessation of hostilities and provided the necessary conditions are met,” the spokesperson said.

Shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital sea route for about 20 percent of the world’s oil supplies before the war, have largely been halted by Iran’s threats to attack tankers.

US President Donald Trump has declared a partial naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz after negotiations with Iran failed over the weekend.