German Foreign Minister Calls Hezbollah Source of Regional Problems During Jerusalem Meeting

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar hosted German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Jerusalem for their ninth meeting in a year. The ministers signed a bilateral agreement under which Germany will provide 5 million euros annually to Yad Vashem for Holocaust research, documentation, education, and commemoration activities.

Sa'ar addressed Hamas's recent statement, accusing the group of attempting to imitate Hezbollah's model in Gaza by proposing a technocratic government to avoid disarmament while maintaining control and continuing jihad against Israel. He emphasized Israel's commitment to implementing President Trump's plan, which centers on fully disarming Hamas and other terrorist organizations in Gaza and achieving complete military demilitarization of the Strip.

Regarding the recent historic framework agreement between Israel, Lebanon, and the United States, Sa'ar noted ongoing talks scheduled for next week in Rome and expressed Israel's intention to achieve peace with its neighbors based on security.

Wadephul strongly supported Sa'ar's positions, calling for Hamas's disarmament and urging all parties to use their influence to end Hamas's control over Gaza and grant Palestinians freedom. He identified Hezbollah as the root of all problems in Lebanon, stating both sides suffer from its terrorism. Wadephul also stressed that long-term regional stability depends on Iran ceasing destabilizing activities and warned against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. He highlighted Iran's commitment to free passage through the Strait of Hormuz without conditions or fees for commercial vessels.

On Lebanon, Wadephul described the Israel-Lebanon agreement as a glimmer of hope for people on both sides suffering from Hezbollah's terrorism, which he called an extension of the Iranian regime. He affirmed Germany's support for Israel and Lebanon in enforcing state monopoly on force and ensuring clear security guarantees for Israel. On Gaza, he reiterated full support for implementing Trump's plan and disarming Hamas to end armed conflict and provide Palestinians with deserved freedom.