Israel to Welcome Steinmeier on Sunday: A Visit by the German President

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will visit Israel on an official trip next Sunday, amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. 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.

Steinmeier will be accompanied by his wife, Elke Büdenbender, and the trip comes in the wake of the recent Hamas attack and Israel’s claim of uncovering a “terror tunnel” at Al-Shifa Hospital. This is similar to trips taken by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock to Tel Aviv earlier this year.

The president has condemned the Hamas attack, high number of casualties and abduction of hostages in numerous speeches while affirming Israel’s right to self-defense. His visit to Israel and the surrounding region underscores Germany’s commitment to resolving the conflict peacefully and supporting Israel as a key ally in the region.