BERLIN

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was confronted by a pro-Palestine protester over his support for Israel’s war in Gaza during a regional election rally in the southwestern city of Ravensburg on Friday evening.

During Merz's speech, a person in the audience held up a banner that read "Yes to international law. Never again Staatsräson (raison d’etat). Long live Palestine" and chanted slogans in support of the Palestinian people.

The phrase raison d’ etat means that the protection and survival of Israel is a non-negotiable cornerstone of German foreign policy due to Germany's historical responsibility for the Holocaust.

Angered upon seeing the banner, Merz responded: “The German government under my leadership will never leave any room for doubt about where we stand. We stand with Israel.”

“If those whose banner you are holding above lay down their arms, this conflict will end within 24 hours. The real cause (of the war) is this, not the state of Israel, which is fighting for its existence to live freely,” he added.

Many international law experts and human rights advocates accuse Germany of being complicit in Israel's genocide in Gaza, including providing arms support.