Germany's Merz makes first visit to Israel as chancellor

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz heads to Israel on Saturday for his first visit since taking office, aiming to reaffirm traditionally solid ties that were shaken during Israel's war on Gaza.

Merz stopped in Jordan briefly on Saturday for talks with King Abdullah II, which Merz told reporters afterwards had focused largely on the fragile peace process.

Speaking before flying on to Israel, Merz urged more humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and for Hamas to lay down their weapons. He said Jordan and Germany both remain committed to a negotiated two-state solution.