Iran-Israel conflict: Merz takes a clear position

Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Iran to "immediately" end attacks on civilian targets in Israel . At the same time, he reiterated Germany's position that the Islamic Republic "must not develop or possess nuclear weapons." "It would be a threat to Israel, the Middle East, and the international community as a whole," the Chancellor said in Berlin before departing for the G7 summit in Canada, where the heads of state and government of the Group of Seven major democratic industrialized nations will meet.

Israel has the right to "defend its existence and the security of its citizens," Merz emphasized. "This issue will be very high on the agenda of the G7 summit."

The Chancellor emphasized that the conflict must not escalate : "Other states in the region must not become theaters of war." Therefore, a solution must now be sought through diplomatic channels. Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is in close contact with his colleagues in the region to this end. Merz himself spoke by phone with the Sultan of Oman, whom he thanked for his mediation efforts to end the nuclear program.

The Chancellor further assured: "We are also preparing ourselves in Germany in case Iran should target Israeli or Jewish targets in Germany."

Israel wants to "change reality in the Middle East"

Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog emphasized that the fight against Iran and its nuclear program is not just about defending his country. "Our goal is to change the reality in the Middle East," he said during a visit to the central Israeli city of Bat Yam, where several people were killed in overnight Iranian missile attacks.

"It cannot be that the evil empire continues to launch its missiles and develop nuclear capabilities, which represent the most dangerous capability for humanity," Herzog emphasized. Therefore, Israel is defending not only itself, "but the Middle East, humanity itself, and world peace," the Israeli president said. He appealed to the G7 heads of state and government to stand by Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also announced retaliation in Bat Yam. "Iran will pay a very high price for the deliberate murder of civilians, women, and children," Netanyahu said. "Just think about what would happen if Iran had nuclear weapons that it could fire at Israeli cities," the prime minister added.

Reports of numerous deaths, hundreds of injuries

Israel has been attacking numerous targets in Iran since Friday night, including nuclear facilities and military installations. The Islamic Republic responded with counterattacks. According to media reports, at least 138 people have been killed in Iran since Friday, including senior military officers and nuclear scientists. Hundreds have been injured. According to official figures, at least 13 people have been killed and approximately 400 injured in Israel since the attacks began.

Iranian President Massoud Peseschkian warned that his country's response to attacks would be "more decisive and harsh" if Israel's "hostile actions" continued. So far, the Iranian military has responded "strongly and appropriately."

Iranian radio reported explosions near Tehran's Mehrabad Airport and in the north of the capital on Sunday. The Israeli army announced that it had attacked more than 80 targets in Tehran on Sunday night alone.

Rocket alerts were again sounded in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other locations on Sunday. Israeli airspace remains closed "due to the security situation." There are no takeoffs or landings at Ben Gurion International Airport.

wa/AR/MM (dpa, afp, rtr)

Editorial deadline 5:45 p.m. (CEST) - this article will not be updated further.