Germany, Israel mark 60 years of ties as Gaza war casts shadow

His German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier will then visit Israel with Herzog, to emphasise Germany's historic responsibility as one of its staunchest supporters. Together with their wives, they will tour Israel for two days to highlight a friendship that a grateful Berlin often labels "a miracle" and meet young people, politicians and kibbutz residents. But while Berlin, now led by conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz, says support for Israel remains a core principle, relations have come under strain in recent years.