Germany's Merkel to meet Israeli leaders in farewell visit
ABC News
Germany’s lame-duck chancellor, Angela Merkel, is in Israel for a final visit before leaving office
JERUSALEM -- Germany's lame-duck chancellor, Angela Merkel, was in Israel on Sunday for a final visit before leaving office.
The visit caps Merkel's 16 years in office, which were characterized by near unwavering support for Israel. Following an inconclusive election last month, her eventual successor — to be determined in lengthy coalition talks — is not expected to change that approach.
Merkel was scheduled Sunday to meet Israel's new prime minister, Naftali Bennett, and visit Israel's national Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem. Her talks with Israeli leaders were expected to focus on Iran's nuclear program.
Germany was a leading player in the 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran. The deal fell apart after then-President Donald Trump, with Israel's support, withdrew from the agreement in 2018. The Biden administration has been trying to revive that deal over Israeli objections.