BERLIN

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday defended his characterization of Israel's airstrikes on Iran as “dirty work,” saying his remarks received widespread support despite some criticism.

Speaking to reporters after meeting with state premiers in Berlin, Merz stood firmly behind his earlier comments that Israel was doing necessary “dirty work” for Western nations through its military actions against Iran's nuclear program.

“These remarks have found overwhelming approval, and I'm pleased about that. It is shared by many others, and I don't need to comment on the few critical voices that have emerged,” Merz said.

His latest came after Tuesday's remarks at the G7 summit in Canada, where he praised Israel's military campaign against Iran and warned Tehran that refusing diplomatic negotiations could lead to the “complete destruction” of its nuclear program.

In Tuesday's ZDF interview, when asked whether Israel was carrying out “dirty work” through its airstrikes on Iran, Merz agreed with the characterization and delivered his harshest criticism yet of Iran's leadership.

“I'm grateful to you for using the term 'dirty work.' That's exactly what Israel is doing for all of us. We are all affected by this regime. This mullah regime has brought death and destruction to the world,” the German chancellor said.

He accused Iran of conducting attacks, committing “murder and manslaughter” in other countries, supporting anti-Israeli militant groups in the Middle East, and supplying drones to Russia in its war against Ukraine.

“Yes, Israel did dirty work there. I can only express my utmost respect for the Israeli army and leadership for having the courage to do that. Without their action, we might have seen this regime's terror continue for months and years, then possibly with a nuclear weapon in hand,” he added.

The German government's stance on Israeli airstrikes sharply contrasts with its position on other international conflicts—particularly Ukraine, where Berlin emphasized the paramount importance of international law and condemned Russia's violations. Several German politicians and experts have criticized Merz's position, arguing that Israel's claim to be acting in “preventive self-defense” lacks validity and that its attacks violate international law.