BERLIN 

Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, discussing the situations in Gaza and Syria, a government spokesman said on Friday.

“Israel’s security and existence remain part of Germany’s reason of state,” Merz told Netanyahu, pledging increased efforts to combat antisemitism, according to spokesman Stefan Kornelius.

“The chancellor strongly condemned Hamas's brutal terror attack of October 7 and expressed deep concern over the fate of hostages and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” Kornelius said in a statement, adding that the German leader “expressed hope that ceasefire negotiations could begin soon.”

The leaders also discussed upcoming visits by Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Berlin and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Israel, which will mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The conversation also covered developments in Syria, though no further details were provided.

Merz, leader of the conservative Christian Democrats, became Germany’s 10th chancellor on Tuesday after forming a coalition with the Social Democrats.

He has long been a vocal supporter of Israel and pledged to deepen Berlin’s ties with Tel Aviv.

In February, after his election victory and a phone call with Netanyahu, Merz criticized the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for the Israeli prime minister.

He told reporters they had also discussed Netanyahu's potential visit to Berlin, saying he would “find ways and means” to make a visit possible.