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Chancellor Merz Advocates Palestinian State Amid Netanyahu's Rejection

12/7/2025

Summary

Story summary

On December 7, 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a Palestinian state could be the best prospect for peace in the Middle East.
He added that any two-state solution would emerge from negotiations.
Germany will not recognize Palestinian statehood at this time.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected an independent Palestinian state.
Netanyahu said he would advance peace with Arab states while maintaining a cautious stance toward Palestinian statehood.

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Story summary

On December 7, 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a Palestinian state could be the best prospect for peace in the Middle East.
He added that any two-state solution would emerge from negotiations.
Germany will not recognize Palestinian statehood at this time.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected an independent Palestinian state.
Netanyahu said he would advance peace with Arab states while maintaining a cautious stance toward Palestinian statehood.