German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is in Israel in his first visit to the region as chancellor. Merz is seeking to strengthen ties between Germany and Israel which were strained by the war in Gaza.

The meeting highlighted a historic $4.5 billion deal for Arrow 3 missile defense systems, now deployed in Germany.

Merz reaffirmed his government's support for Israel during talks with President Isaac Herzog, while expressing concern over military actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

He plans to meet Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.