Merkel Makes Last Official Visit To Israel

Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany still bears responsibility for Israel as she held talks with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on her final official trip to the country, Stefanie Jaerkel and Sara Lemel reported for Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa).

Photo Insert: The German Chancellor laid a wreath at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem.

"The history of the Holocaust is of course a singular event for which we also continue to bear responsibility. In every phase of history, also in the future," Merkel told reporters on Sunday.

"It's about not being neutral and taking a clear position in favor of Israel's security, no matter how difficult the situation is." The chancellor also laid a wreath at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem in the presence of Bennett.

"The fact that Jewish life has found a home again in Germany after the crimes of humanity of the Shoah is an immeasurable sign of trust - for which we are grateful," Merkel wrote in the guestbook.

Bennett said Merkel, who is stepping down once coalition talks are concluded in Germany following September's election, was "the moral compass of all of Europe" who has taken an uncompromising line in supporting Israel.

He praised the 67-year-old's role in cementing an extraordinary relationship between the two countries based on the "immense historical wound" inflicted by Nazi Germany against the Jewish people in World War II.

Merkel and Bennett have also been meeting jointly with company representatives. Merkel spoke with the Israeli Cabinet, too.

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