Friedrich Merz

Germany prepares huge orders for jets, armored vehicles, sources say

The purchases are part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s push to build Europe’s most powerful conventional army, aiming to reduce reliance on an increasingly unpredictable ally, the United States.

 Norway's Air Force F-16 fighters (R) and Italy's Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighters patrol over the Baltics during a NATO air policing mission from Zokniai air base near Siauliai, Lithuania, May 20, 2015.
 Soldiers stand during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's visit to a military training area to find out about the training of Ukrainian soldiers on the “Patriot” anti-aircraft missile system, at an undisclosed location, in Germany, June 11, 2024.

Germany's Merz spoke with Trump about buying Patriots for Ukraine

 German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar visit the scene where a ballistic missile fired from Iran hit and caused damage in Bat Yam, central Israel. June 29, 2025.

Germany is '100% behind Israel,' minister vows at site of Iranian strike on Bat Yam

 ON DAY ONE, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled Israel’s operation in Iran ‘concerning,’ characterized it as an escalation, and urged ‘all parties to step back and reduce tensions,’ the writer notes.

Israel does the dirty work – and Europe fires back with sanctions - opinion


Germany's Merz sees no reason to criticize Israeli, US attacks on Iran

"There is no reason for us to criticize what Israel started a week ago, nor is there any reason to criticize what America did last weekend," Merz said. NATO's Rutte defended the US's attack as well.

 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks during an industrial sector association BDI event in Berlin, Germany, June 23, 2025.

Germany's Merz urges moderation in call with Netanyahu, source says

Germany plans to host nuclear talks with its European partners and the Iranian foreign minister at its permanent representation in Geneva.

 Benjamin Netanyahu (R) hosts then-German Leader of the Opposition, Friedrich Merz, (L) in Jerusalem, February 12, 2024.

Merz: 'Israel is doing the dirty work for all of us by striking Iran, lacks necessary weapons'

German Chancellor Merz has praised Israel for doing the 'dirty work' for everyone, but said that Israel also lacked the necessary weapons.

 German conservative candidate for chancellor and Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party leader Friedrich Merz attends a press conference following the German general election in Berlin, Germany, February 24, 2025.