Netanyahu and Merkel at a press conference
Netanyahu and Merkel at a press conferenceGovernment Press Office

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told a press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday evening that the Palestinians do not want peace, and instead they encourage terrorism.

"Abu Mazen joined the terrorists," said Netanyahu in reference to Palestinian Authority (PA) chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

"Israel is interested in peace, based on mutual recognition and security arrangements that would allow Israel to defend itself, by itself. But the Palestinians are not only not interested in peace, they persist in their refusal to condemn terrorism," continued Netanyahu.

“It’s even worse, because President Abbas has joined the Islamists in inciting the recent waves of violence. He and his official websites and spokesmen both in the Palestinian Authority and Fatah have said that Israel is intent on violating the status quo on the Temple Mount. That is false. We maintain the status quo and it’s our firm policy to continue to maintain the status quo of prayers for Muslims and visits by Jews, Christians and others,” he added.

"I came to Berlin at a very difficult time," Netanyahu told Merkel, adding that "terrorists do not kill Israelis because they are frustrated with the peace process, but rather because their goal is to destroy Israel."

The Prime Minister also thanked the Chancellor for Germany's support for Israel, and noted that "the partnership is important to both countries. We do not forget the past, but our relations are an example of how people can create a shared future, despite the past."

An issue which came up yet again was Netanyahu’s remarks which caused a firestorm with regards to the role of the Mufti of Jerusalem in the Holocaust.

Netanyahu said that "Hitler was responsible for the Holocaust and we cannot deny it. But you also cannot deny the important evidence regarding the Mufti of Jerusalem told the Nazis to prevent the escape of Jews from Europe and who supported the final solution."

Merkel also referred to the comments though she would only stress her country's inherent "responsibility for the Holocaust".

"We don't see any reason to change our view of history," she said.