German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to visit Israel for the first time since taking office, aiming to mend relations strained by Germany's criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza. The visit follows a recent cease-fire and comes just days after Israel delivered its advanced Arrow 3 missile defense system to Germany, a transfer that has been widely praised in German media. Reports are already speculating about Germany's interest in acquiring the next-generation Arrow 4 system, reflecting growing defense cooperation between the two countries. Merz will meet with Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Isaac Herzog to discuss both security and diplomatic ties.