"We do not support the demands for a boycott. This is not an option for Germany. We have certain rules of labeling (of products from settlements) and we have to adhere to those rules but we do not believe in boycotts,’’ German Chancellor Angel Merkel told reporters Tuesday after a joint meeting of the German and Israeli cabinets in Jerusalem.
She was speaking at a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ministers from both governments.
Merkel also expressed support for Palestinian recognition of Israel as a Jewish state saying it is a ‘’critical component’’ of a two-state solution and said a final status agreement with the Palestinians must take into account Israel’ security needs, particularly given the constant physical threat to its existence. ‘’Security is the essence,’’ she said.
She added that the settlement issue ‘’fills us with concern.’’ ‘’Wed do not always see eye to eye with Israel on this issue and I hope that we can overcome these difficulties and that there will be no obstacles to the two-state solution,’’ Merkel declared.
Speaking on the boycott, Netanyahu said: "There's a way to stop the [Middle East] peace process - with a boycott against Israel.’’
“Boycott s are neither moral nor correct and I would say nor productive because actually these boycotts push back peace. They only serve to strengthen Palestinian intransigence.’’
When it came to the question of a nuclear-armed Iran, Netanyahu repeated Israel's stance that it believes it was a mistake for Western countries – including Germany – to ease some sanctions against Iran as talks continue to establish limits on the country's uranium enrichment. Netanyahu said that only a zero-tolerance policy toward Iranian nuclear enrichment would be effective.
Merkel said that Iran should be allowed to enrich uranium to a small degree for energy purposes, but that "assurances" should be in place to prevent Iran from producing an atomic weapon.
She said "if we can achieve that, it will be better than the situation today."
Merkel was in Israel with nearly all of her cabinet ministers for the fifth joint Israeli-German governmental meeting since 2008.
The two countries signed a series of new agreements, and Merkel highlighted two in particular. The first was Israel's acceptance of Germany's offer to provide consular services to Israeli travelers in countries where the Jewish state does not have a diplomatic presence.
She called this a "sign of the trust" that existed between Germany and Israel.
During her visit, the Chancellor received from Israeli President Shimon Peres the Presidential Medal of Distinction, Israel's highest civilian honor.
and was bestowed upon Dr. Merkel for her unwavering commitment to Israel's security and the fight against anti-Semitism and racism in particular through education.
During a ceremony at the presidential residence in Jerusalem, President Peresthanked Chancellor Merkel for her support for Israel and said, "We are here today to express the deep appreciation of my people and my nation towards you, to your country and for your brave position by Israel's side. Both when we are under threat and when we are on the path to peace, within the European Union, the United Nations and the global arena. Your commitment to Israel's security and to the cause of peace is set in stone. You oversaw the expansion of our economic ties, the deepening of scientific collaboration and never hesitated to provide us with the tools necessary for our defense. As you said, 'Germany’s support for Israel’s security is part of our national ethos, our raison d’être.' You stood against the Iranian threat and stressed, 'A nuclear bomb in the hands of an Iranian president who denies the Holocaust, threatens Israel and denies Israel the right to exist, is not acceptable! For me, Israel's security will never be open to negotiation.' Your words are unhesitant and have the clarity of honesty."