Merz words come in an interview with West German Broadcasting, where he in clearer words than before expresses worry over the situation in Gaza.
What the civilian population is subjected to, as it has increasingly done in recent days, can no longer be justified by combating Hamas terrorism, he says.
Saying one's mind
Merz is aware that Germany "more than any other country on earth" must show restraint in its language towards Israel. But even if the country lives with memories of the Holocaust, there are limits to caution, he says.
The question is: How clearly can we formulate our criticism now? For historical reasons, I am more reserved. But we must be a little clearer now.
When borders are crossed, when international humanitarian law is broken ... Then the German Chancellor must also say his mind.
Wants to be important partner
Despite his criticism, Merz says he still wants Germany to be Israel's "most important partner in Europe".
do things that its best friends can no longer accept.
Merz's Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, says he understands Israel's security problems and that Germany is always ready to defend Israel's security – but that does not mean that it can ignore the suffering in Gaza.
He emphasizes, however, that Germany will not stop selling arms to Israel, in response to, among other things, Spain's call for an arms embargo.
Even under the previous German government, under Olaf Scholz, Germany urged Israel's government several times to adjust its military operations in Gaza to better protect civilians, but not in such harsh words as Merz's statements on Monday.
