Merkel Criticizes Iranian Officials' Comments on Israel

Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, stated that the current approach of Iran and the "way of speaking" of the officials of the Islamic Republic regarding Israel is "unacceptable." According to German news agencies, Ms. Merkel said on Monday, September 9, during her annual press conference in Berlin: "I am saddened that Iranian leaders speak about Israel as they did in the past." According to the German Chancellor, the statements made by Iranian leaders regarding Israel in recent weeks are "a regressive trend and a disappointing step backward." She emphasized that this approach "must change." Angela Merkel, whose country was one of the negotiating powers against Iran leading to the nuclear agreement, referred to this agreement as an important "progress." She also described Iran as having significant influence over Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Palestinian movement Hamas. According to the Jerusalem Post, the German Chancellor supported Iran's participation in negotiations regarding the future of Syria aimed at ending the four-and-a-half-year civil war in the country and combating the Islamic State group in Syria, but stated that for this to happen, Iran's approach towards Israel "must change." On the same day that Ms. Merkel criticized the lack of change in Iranian leaders' rhetoric regarding Israel, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani stated that the seed of Israel was "planted with terrorism, aggression, and occupation, and this ominous and inhumane legacy continues to this day." Several officials of the Islamic Republic have indicated in recent weeks that the government's stance against Israel will not change even after the nuclear agreement with the international community. Philip Hammond, the British Foreign Secretary, during a visit to Tehran two weeks ago to reopen his country's embassy, stated in an interview with a British radio network that he felt the current Iranian government's tone regarding Israel had "slightly changed." However, Iranian officials rejected Mr. Hammond's remarks. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of Iran, has stated twice in recent weeks that any organization or group that stands against the "Zionist regime" and fights it will receive Iran's support, and this support will continue in the future. Commanders of the Revolutionary Guards have also made similar statements in recent weeks. Hossein Dehghan, Iran's Minister of Defense, also stated on Monday, September 9, that Iran will not cease its support for "resistance" movements.