Israel to transfer jet fuel to Germany as FM Wadephul affirms IDF has 'every right' to be in Lebanon

In an unusual arrangement, Israel will transfer jet fuel to Germany amid the ongoing blockade of the Hormuz Strait, the countries agreed as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hosted Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Berlin on Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries.

Berlin requested assistance in recent days due to delivery bottlenecks caused by the Iranian blockade. The German economy ministry said ​that Israel ​indicated its ⁠willingness to provide jet fuel as well as natural gas, with Israel's energy ministry confirming that Israeli refineries would coordinate the transfer with German counterparts.

Sa'ar's counterpart Johann Wadephul also signaled rare international support for Israel's military operation in southern Lebanon, where Sa'ar said that Israel needs to destroy Hezbollah while stressing that it “has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon.”

In a joint press conference, Wadephul agreed that the operation was "necessary," adding that “there is every right for Israel to be there.”

Germany & #Israel share a unique bond. We will never take our friendship for granted. Standing up for Israel’s existence and security is at the core of our relationship. – @AussenMinDE during the visit of @gidonsaar to Berlin 1/5 pic.twitter.com/UIAawC3vxd

— GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) May 5, 2026

In an official statement, he added, "We strongly condemn Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel. Lebanon must not become a battlefield where civilians pay the price. We need agreements to protect civilians on both sides of the Blue Line, ensure the security of UNIFIL and enable lasting peace."

Sa’ar also thanked Chancellor Merz for his consistent support of Israel and opposition to Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.

“Anyone who sees how this regime behaves toward its neighbors in the region understands the necessity of preventing it from obtaining nuclear weapons,” Sa’ar said during the meeting, which also reportedly included discussions on regional security in the Middle East and the ongoing situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Israeli foreign minister also thanked Merz for his commitment to combating antisemitism, after the executive committee of Merz's CDU party held its meeting at the Chabad-run Jewish Campus in Berlin on Monday.

Merz promised to combat antisemitism in all its forms last September. “We are declaring war on every form of old and new antisemitism in Germany,” Merz said at a reopening event in the historic Reichenbach Synagogue in Munich. “We will not tolerate antisemitism even when it is disguised under the pretense of freedom, of art, of culture, or of science.”

“Israel, the country where Holocaust survivors found safe refuge, is today contributing to Germany’s security through a new security partnership,” Wadephul stated. “Germany purchased the Arrow 3 air defense system from Israel. This is an example. Israeli technology helps protect Germany’s skies,” he added.

Foreign Minister @gidonsaar:
“Israel is the only country in the region with a growing Christian population.” pic.twitter.com/myChpICh4x

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) May 5, 2026

In January, Germany signed an expanded $3.1 billion Arrow missile defense agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

Wadephul addressed the complex geopolitical situation in the Middle East, saying, “The war with Iran and the situation in Hormuz are causing problems from gas stations to the transport of goods. Our citizens feel the impact of the conflict in the money left in their wallets.”

He signaled that Berlin is prepared to “take responsibility” in international efforts to secure safe passage for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and condemned Iran’s recent attack on the United Arab Emirates. Looking ahead, the German foreign minister stressed that Tehran’s missile program must be halted and that the regime must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.

“Iran must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons, and its ballistic missile program must be ended,” Wadephul announced. “Iran must stop its regional policy. We call on Iran not to miss the opportunity. I said this to the Iranian foreign minister in our conversation the day before yesterday.”

Wadephul expressed optimism about the direct talks between Israel and the Lebanese government, saying, “Direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon give us hope, and we urge both sides to continue in this direction.”

Turning to Gaza, the German minister said that improving the living conditions in Gaza was in Israel’s national interest.

“Stabilizing Gaza is in Israel’s security interest. We agree that Hamas must be disarmed in line with Trump’s 20-point plan. Germany continues to support a two-state solution.”

While Germany and Israel have close ties, Berlin nevertheless expressed opposition to the plans of some Israeli ministers to annex parts of Judea and Samaria (West Bank).

“De facto annexation of parts of the West Bank is something we cannot accept,” Wadephul argued. “Violence by some settlers against Palestinian civilians is something we reject, and we expect Israeli authorities to investigate and prosecute these crimes.”