German Chancellor Calls on Israel to Adhere to International Law

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, pointed out that "his country urges Israel to comply with international law in the conflict in Gaza and not to open a second front on its northern border with Lebanon." Scholz added that Iran should be prevented from exploiting the conflict to expand its influence. In a different context, the German Chancellor emphasized that "Europe must enhance its ability to defend itself to deter potential aggressors, regardless of who wins the upcoming U.S. elections or how the war in Ukraine will end." He stressed that "we Europeans must take more care of our own security, now and in the future." Scholz also mentioned that "Germany is discussing with its allies France and Britain the development of precision weapons capable of reaching long distances to ensure that its deterrence strategy remains advanced."