Netanyahu/Merkel

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu reiterated on Tuesday that there can be no reconciliation with the Palestinians without recognition of Israel as a Jewish state. Speaking at a joint news conference in Jerusalem with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Netanyahu said that boycotts of Israel only push peace further away and do not help the Palestinian economy. On Iran, Netanyahu reiterated that Tehran must not be allowed to manufacture nuclear weapons. Netanyahu said the visit to Israel by Merkel and her government reflects the warm relations between the two countries and the depth of their ties. The news conference with Merkel followed a joint meeting of the leaders' respective cabinets. For her part, Merkel said that her government held an important discussion with the Israeli government, and the two countries are marking 50 years of ties. She noted that her government signed six agreements with Israel on various issues. This includes providing consular services to Israelis in countries where Israel does not have such a mission. The countries also signed an understanding to let youths from both countries work and visit for up to a year. Merkel said Germany supports the Kerry initiative to reach a two state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The German leader expressed concern over continuing settlement activity, but stressed she believes it is possible to get over this obstacle. She added that a boycott of Israeli products does not help advance the peace process. On the Iranian issue, Merkel stressed that Germany is a partner to the nuclear negotiations with Tehran. She said the Iranian program poses not just a potential threat to Israel but to all of Europe. She said she held open discussions with Netanyahu on issues over which they also disagree.