Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier plans to visit Israel on an official trip next Sunday in the midst of the Gaza war. According to the Federal President’s Office, Steinmeier will hold political talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and visit southern Israel and East Jerusalem during his visit.
Accompanied by his wife Elke Büdenbender, Steinmeier will then travel to the Sultanate of Oman and the Emirate of Qatar. This trip comes in the wake of the Hamas attack and Israel’s claim of uncovering a “terror tunnel” at Al-Shifa Hospital. The visit by Steinmeier follows similar trips taken by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock to Tel Aviv.
Steinmeier has strongly condemned the Hamas attack, the high number of casualties, and the abduction of hostages, while also affirming Israel’s right to self-defense in numerous speeches. His visit to Israel and the surrounding region underscores Germany’s commitment to the situation and the ongoing conflict.