Merkel versus Netanyahu

Source: Eurotopics, February 24

German Chancellor Merkel and almost her entire cabinet travel to Israel today [Monday, February 24] for two days of talks. The Islamist daily Zaman writes that while the special relationship between the two countries is beyond question, it is nonetheless problematic right now.

“It’s long been an open secret that Chancellor Merkel and Prime Minister Netanyahu don’t like each other on a personal level, and even quarrel on the telephone…. Merkel openly supports the peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine initiated by US Secretary of State Kerry three months ago, and a two-state solution. And she’ll say that today and tomorrow to [President] Peres and other Israeli politicians. This will no doubt annoy Netanyahu and others who are trying to delay the peace process. But you can be sure that Merkel won’t budge on the questions of peace in Palestine and Israel’s settlement policy.”