Germany’s Merz Presses Netanyahu to Halt Lebanon Fighting, Warns on West Bank

Berlin— German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end military operations in southern Lebanon and pursue direct peace talks with Beirut, the German government said on Monday, as concerns grow over the widening regional conflict.

In a telephone conversation, Merz also voiced “grave concern” over developments in the Palestinian territories and stressed that there must be no “de facto partial annexation” of the West Bank, according to a government spokesperson.

The call comes amid escalating tensions following the conflict launched on February 28 by Israel and the United States against Iran, which has increasingly threatened to expand into a broader regional war. German officials said Merz reiterated Berlin’s support for diplomatic efforts aimed at securing an understanding between Washington and Tehran.

Merz, who had initially backed the U.S.-Israeli military action, has shifted his stance as economic risks and security concerns intensify, including Iranian retaliatory strikes and disruptions to global energy flows.

He also indicated that Germany could contribute to ensuring maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route, but only after hostilities cease and necessary conditions are in place.Shipping through the strait, which previously accounted for roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies, has been significantly disrupted amid Iranian threats targeting commercial vessels.

The situation has been further complicated by a partial naval blockade declared by U.S. President Donald Trump following stalled negotiations with Iran.