Germany’s Merkel meets Israeli leaders on farewell visit

German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends a cabinet meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Benett in Jerusalem (Menahem Kahana/Pool/AP)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel paid a final official visit to Israel on Sunday, saying she had been fortunate to play a key role in strengthening relations between the two countries after the horrors of the Holocaust during the Second World War.

The visit capped Mrs Merkel’s 16 years in office, which were characterised by near unwavering support for Israel.