Merkel says Israel's security central to 'every German gov't'

Merkel, in the occupied territories on her last visit as a chancellor before the end of her 16-year term, met Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in Jerusalem (Al-Quds), reported by Xinhua.

"I want to use this opportunity to emphasize that the topic of Israel's security will always be of central importance and a central topic of every German government," she said in joint remarks.

Bennett, for his part, thanked Merkel for the warm relations with Israel that she has cultivated during her term.

Merkel met Bennett for a private meeting, in which they discussed regional issues, including Iran, according to Bennett's office.