Merkel in Jerusalem: Merkel, Netanyahu discuss Iran nuclear deal, Palestinian-Israeli ties

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Europe

02:01

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Jerusalem on Thursday at a routine inter-governmental meeting. Merkel attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Holocaust memorial. The leaders discussed Palestinian-Israeli ties, Gaza strip, and Iran. Stephanie Freid has more.

Angela Merkel's 2018 Israel visit included ceremonial elements.

And the standard, less formal moments.

Nonetheless, some of the day's major issues hovered: Namely, Europe's growing anti-Semitism and Germany versus Israel's stance on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

Germany wants to preserve the deal, Israel, along with the U.S., wants it scrapped.

ANGELA MERKEL GERMAN CHANCELLOR "We are very convinced and strongly share Israel's position that everything must be done to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons."

As delegations signed economic cooperation agreements, Merkel voiced support for an independent Palestinian state.

ANGELA MERKEL GERMAN CHANCELLOR "We favor and support the two-state solution. I hear the prime minister, who says that we should time and again encourage the Palestinians to come to the negotiation table and I will do so."

Prime Minister Netanyahu blames Palestinian Authority sanctions on the Gaza Strip for the six-month increase in violence on the Gaza-Israel border.

BENJAMIN NETANYAHU ISRAEL PRIME MINISTER "Mahmoud Abbas intervenes in UN attempts at easing the distress of the Gaza Strip, including now, including today."

There is no expectation of major political outcomes from this visit - according to Germany's government, the trip's focus was: economics, innovation and technology.

STEPHANIE FREID, CGTN, JERUSALEM.