![Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany in Glasgow on 1 November 2021 [Doug Peters/UK Government/Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/20211101_2_50695536_70241487.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Germany’s former Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has accused Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, for “completely undermining” the two-state solution, in a criticism amongst many regarding world leaders in her new memoir.
In her newly-released 720-page memoir titled ‘Freedom: Memories 1954-2021’, which reflects on her long political career and legacy, Merkel talked particularly of her foreign policy approaches, much of which focuses on that regarding the United States and Russia.
She notably also touched on her dealings with Israeli leaders, though, with her relations with current Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu having reportedly been particularly strained. Recalling how their differences became “insurmountable” during her 16-year tenure as Chancellor, Merkel wrote that “We could only agree on the formula ‘We agree to disagree’.”
She accused Netanyahu of “completely undermining” the two-state solution, stating that despite his occasional mention of the concept over the years, his actions only undermined it entirely, especially through the continuation of destructive policies such as the ongoing expansion of illegal Jewish settlements in the Occupied West Bank.
Former Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, on the other hand, who held office from 2006 to 2009, was apparently admired by the former German Chancellor, who described him as “direct and to the point”, as well as being “genuinely” committed to the two-state solution.
Read: Merkel’s defence of Israel’s war crimes undermines the ICC and the rule of law