Subscribe to Print Edition | Thu., March 20, 2008 Adar2 14, 5768 | | Israel Time: 09:50 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

German Chancellor Angela Merkel with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at Ben Gurion Airport Sunday. (AP) Last update - 19:17 16/03/2008 Merkel arrives in Israel to 'open new chapter' in bilateral ties By Haaretz Service and The Associated Press Tags: Germany, Holocaust  German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday kicked off a three-day visit to Israel meant to strengthen ties between the two states and reaffirm her commitment to the Middle East peace pocess. "I am grateful we can open a new chapter in relations between our two countries," Merkel said at a red carpet ceremony at Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion airport. The visit will be highlighted by a historic address to the Knesset, where she is expected to underline Germany's deep commitment to defending Israel and its right to exist, a spokesman said. Advertisement Merkel touched down at Ben-Gurion International Airport, where she was greeted by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, an honor guard and many of the country's political and religious leaders. At the welcoming ceremony, Olmert expressed appreciation for Merkel's "extraordinary friendship, your deep understanding of Israel's security needs and the unwavering commitment you and Germany have shown to Israel's security." He also praised her "inspirational courage in the battle against terrorism and Iran's nuclear ambitions." Merkel said that during her visit, "we will discuss Germany's historical responsibility as well as future projects to make the world a better place," according to a translation of her remarks. She also expressed commitment to help to resolve the 60-year-old conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Her speech on Tuesday, the first by a German chancellor to the Knesset, has angered some lawmakers because of the painful memories of the Holocaust. Israel gained independence in the wake of the Nazi genocide of 6 million Jews and some 250,000 Holocaust survivors live in Israel. Merkel arrives at a time of heightened tensions between Israel and the Palestinians, whose efforts to make peace by the end of the year have been compromised by resurgent violence and Israeli construction on lands the Palestinians claim for a future state. Peace efforts are expected to figure high on her agenda, though the chancellor will not be meeting with Palestinian leaders during her visit. German Embassy spokesman Albert Graf said Merkel's visit was exclusively to Israel because it was designed to mark the 60th anniversary of Israel's creation and the inauguration of a new forum of meetings between members of the two countries' Cabinets. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki said Merkel would soon pay a special visit to the West Bank to discuss German support for the Palestinians. Germany is a major donor to the Palestinian Authority, headed by moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Merkel was being accompanied by seven members of her Cabinet and a delegation of German businesspeople to underscore the strength of the countries' relations. She is to meet with Olmert, President Shimon Peres and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni during her trip. She also is scheduled to visit Israel's national Holocaust memorial. Peres accompanied Merkel on a brief trip to the grave of David Ben-Gurion, in the southern Negev desert. "One of the most important historic events for the state of Israel in the past 60 years is talks with the new Germany, the different Germany," Peres said. Germany is one of Israel's staunchest allies in Europe and is heavily involved in efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a pressing concern for Israel. Merkel has stressed Germany's commitment to the security of the Israel in the face of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's repeated calls to wipe Israel off the map and denial of the Holocaust. Germany is also a main contributor to the international force deployed in south Lebanon after Israel's 2006 war with Hezbollah guerrillas. Hezbollah is currently holding two Israel Defense Forces soldiers whose seizure in July 2006 led to the 34-day conflict. Germany reportedly is involved in trying to arrange a prisoner swap. On Tuesday, Merkel is to address the Knesset. The privilege is usually reserved for heads of state, rather than heads of government, but a special dispensation was made in Merkel's case because of her status among global leaders and what was described as her great friendship for Israel. Merkel will deliver her address in German, provoking threats from one lawmaker to storm out of the session. Deep wounds remain in Israel from the Nazi Holocaust, despite the cordial relations that have developed with Germany over the decades. A Merkel spokesman said the chancellor understood the sensitivity on this matter, but asked as the German head of government, to speak in her mother tongue. Merkel is not the first German dignitary to address Knesset in German. Then-President Johannes Rau broke that barrier in 2000, delivering an emotional appeal for forgiveness for what Germans have done. Israel, founded in 1948, agreed to diplomatic ties with Germany only in 1965, after a fierce debate. Today, Germany is a leading Israeli trade partner, exporting $3.5 billion worth of goods in 2007 and importing $1.9 billion. It has paid an estimated $25 billion in reparations to Israeli Holocaust survivors, and provided more than $700 million in goods and services to the Israeli government. The 60th anniversary celebrations will center around Israel's independence day on May 8, though there will be events through 2009. There is as yet no official list of which leaders will be attending, but Peres' office said U.S. President George W. Bush and French President Nicolas Sarkozy are expected to visit. Related articles: Merkel: Threats that Israel faces are also threats to Germany News / Olmert to Merkel: Iran is covertly seeking nuclear arms German Jewish leader urges Merkel to back Israel's stance on Iran Bookmark to del.icio.us   Free interpretation Yesha rabbinical council ruled it is forbidden for Jews to employ Arabs. Little Africa Tel Aviv is setting up a tent city to improve the living conditions of African refugees.   1.   Merkel and Germany encouraging war against Israel 16:51  |  Jonathan S 16/03/08   2.   The big discrepancy or how Israel is being cheated 17:14  |  Jonathan S 16/03/08   3.   never forget.... 17:18  |  Jeff 16/03/08   4.   sad day for germany 18:02  |  disgusted 16/03/08   5.   Why a new chapter? 18:30  |  TOBIAS RÜGER 16/03/08   6.   Jonathan S # 2 18:54  |  OTTO 16/03/08   7.   old chapter good enough: we lie, they pay 19:00  |  shoah biz 16/03/08   8.   to #1+2 Jonathan 19:15  |  Wolfgang 16/03/08   9.   MERKEL 19:21  |  RICK 16/03/08   10.   I Like Germans 19:43  |  Yosemite 16/03/08   11.   Germany: Israel as the bastard child of Satan 20:24  |  Jonathan S 16/03/08   12.   Jonathan S #11 21:24  |  OTTO 16/03/08   13.   To: #11- Jonathan from Frankfurt, Germany 22:00  |  Nate 16/03/08   14.   Sensible people, the Germans # 11 22:09  |  Clickfool 16/03/08   15.   Rick 9 23:24  |  ChanahS 16/03/08   16.   Yosemite 23:56  |  IL supporter 16/03/08   17.   Yonathan and his monstrous truths 01:33  |  Karl 17/03/08   18.   Angela (and Nick Sarkozy) Many thanks for your support 03:28  |  Anthony Fallon 17/03/08   19.   For the first time since WW II 04:55  |  Mark Lincoln 17/03/08   20.   Re: #16 IL supporter 07:16  |  Yosemite 17/03/08   21.   She treats Jews like Idiots / She is Dishonest 09:52  |  Semsem 17/03/08   22.   Mark Lincoln 19 10:47  |  ChanahS 17/03/08   23.   Semsen #21 14:21  |  OTTO 17/03/08   24.   To #13 17:08  |  Sawtitch 17/03/08   25.   Number #18 - Good call! 17:12  |  Sawtitch 17/03/08   26.   #3 17:20  |  Mannststein 18/03/08   27.   #4 17:22  |  Mannstein 18/03/08   28.   #12 17:33  |  Mannstein 18/03/08   29.   #18 09:00  |  Polak 20/03/08

Today Online Tom Segev: Merkel slams Qassams, but ignores Israel's actions Responses: 278 Egypt brokering Hamas-Israel deal for long-term Gaza truce Responses: 76 High Court closes off use of major highway to Palestinians Responses: 192 Study finds Israeli Jews increasingly racist toward Arabs Responses: 253 Security forces fear double Hezbollah attack in Israel, abroad Responses: 130 Rosner's Domain McCain rep to Jewish crowd: Christian right 'serious problem' Were Shakespeare's Plays Written By A Jewish Woman? (WTR) Rosner's Mailbox: I used to believe that you just hated Hillary Poll: Is the "road map" still relevant? Did Iraq have ties to Al Qaeda? (WTR) More Headlines 09:49 Palestinian medics: IDF troops kill civilian in Gaza 09:32 Egypt agrees to take over as Gaza power supplier 05:38 Student who helped kill gunman defends cop who didn't pursue him 08:14 McCain: Iranian threat to U.S. linked to Hamas, Hezbollah aid 08:23 Jewish Agency mulls closing its historic immigration department 08:28 Palestinian Americans warned of security profiling at B-G Airport 09:46 Top Yesha rabbi says Jewish law forbids renting houses to Arabs 09:45 Bin Laden slams Europe for anti-Islamic cartoons, vows response 08:13 Obama belittles McCain for confusing Shi'ite and Sunni extremists 00:39 Rubinstein international piano competition / Cause for vexation 09:44 Sheldon Adelson wins millions in damages from British newspaper 06:53 Prisons Service: Underage girls treated inhumanely in custody Previous Editions Select Day 19 mar 18 mar 17 mar 16 mar 14 mar 13 mar 12 mar 11 mar 10 mar 09 mar 07 mar 06 mar

Special Offers Advertisement FAREWELL ISRAEL New Film The Coming War for Islamic Revival - View Movie Trailer READY FOR PURIM? BUT - Who Will Guard The Hamentasch? Free the Palestinians from: Corrupt Kleptocracy, Tyrannical Theocracy, Abysmal Anarchy Long-term Israel programs MASA is your gateway. More programs. More grants. NEW! Dan Boutique Jerusalem Hotel Hip Dan Hotel in Jerusalem. Attractive Introductory Rates 7589 rockets fired so far HELP US TO HELP THEM FREE JEWISH HISTORY COURSE Berel Wein's best selling lectures. 5000 Years in Five hours /CD/MP3 Marina Royale Herzelia Pituach Your Luxurious Suite While Staying in Israel Fattal Hotel Chain Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel. ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved