BICOM

Speaking alongside Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasised that Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas’s failure to condemn terror is incompatible with making peace.

Netanyahu’s visit to Berlin marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Israel and Germany. He postponed the visit earlier this month following the outbreak of violence, which has killed nine Israelis. Addressing the attacks, Merkel said “Israel has the obligation to protect its citizens.” She explained that “Israel has faced attacks since its establishment and we think a two-state solution is the best possibility.” She added that, “The settlements are counterproductive and everything should be done to calm the situation down.” Summarising relations between the two countries, Merkel said, “We will continue to protect Israel and always stand up for Israel’s existence.”

Netanyahu thanked Merkel for her “unrelenting” support. Highlighting the continued attacks on Israelis, Netanyahu said that the violence is being fuelled by Abbas’s continued lies and incitement, especially false claims that Israel intends to alter the status quo at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. He asked that the international community pressure Abbas, as “Incitement leads to terrorism. We need to stop terrorism. To stop terrorism, incitement needs to stop. I think it is possible to restore calm.” Merkel said, “We expect him [Abbas] to condemn everything that constitutes an act of terrorism,” adding “One can’t have open talks with Israel if this does not happen.”

Meanwhile, Netanyahu is scheduled to discuss the current violence with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Berlin today. Kerry is expected to then fly to the Middle East and meet with Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas and Jordan’s King Abdullah. Israeli media reports suggest that Kerry is looking to arrange a summit of all three leaders in Jordan’s capital Amman. The Guardian reports that that Kerry is seeking a written clarification of the status quo arrangement at the Temple Mount and the establishment of a complaints and resolution mechanism.