Merkel defends Israel's right to exist, questions disproportionate global criticism

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel defended Israel's right to exist and Germany's commitment to its security, reaffirming that the Jewish state's existence is part of Germany's Staatsräson, or fundamental national interest, during an appearance on the KAFFEE UND FLUCHEN podcast published on YouTube on Friday.Addressing the war in Gaza amid rising antisemitism in Germany, Merkel reaffirmed the historical responsibility underpinning Berlin's relationship with Israel and its commitment to the Jewish state's security and continued existence.“I did indeed say in the Knesset at the time that, for me, Israel's right to exist is also part of Germany's Staatsräson,” Merkel said, referring to the German concept of raison d'état, or a fundamental national interest.Merkel clarified, however, that Germany's commitment to Israel should not be interpreted as unconditional support for its government or as a restriction on criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his policies, pointing to her own record on the matter.“That is sometimes misinterpreted as meaning that, for example, one is not allowed to criticize Netanyahu's government,” Merkel said, adding, “I did that many times as chancellor, and there are certainly reasons to do so now regarding the conduct in the Gaza Strip. So criticism is not prohibited at all.”Merkel: Criticism of Israel must acknowledge threats to its existenceShe stressed, however, that such criticism must take Israel's security and continued…