The former politician explained that the situations in Ukraine and Israel cannot be compared because Kyiv did not threaten Russia’s existence.

“I don’t quite agree that Israel does not adhere to international law. When a country’s existence is threatened by Iran or Hamas, it’s not so easy to respond strictly according to international law. If some are allowed to declare they want to destroy the state of Israel, then Israel must have the ability to defend itself,” Merkel said.

At the same time, she emphasized that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine violates international law.