German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end fighting in southern Lebanon and begin direct peace talks with the Lebanese government. In a telephone call, Merz also voiced grave concern over developments in the Palestinian territories and insisted there must be no de facto partial annexation of the West Bank.

Merz offered Germany's continued support for efforts to reach a diplomatic understanding between the United States and Iran following the conflict launched by Israel and the United States in late February. Although he initially welcomed the joint attacks, he has grown increasingly alarmed over the risk of wider regional war and potential global economic fallout.

He said Germany would be prepared to help ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, but only after hostilities cease and if the necessary conditions are met. Shipping through the vital oil route has been largely halted amid Iranian threats, while the United States has announced a partial naval blockade after negotiations with Iran collapsed.