Edelstein and Merkel
Edelstein and MerkelKnesset spokesperson

Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein met for an hour in Berlin on Thursday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Subjects discussed at the meeting included the security situation in the Middle East, the Israel-Palestinian peace process and the refugee problem facing Europe. 

Edelstein told Merkel that he "found in Germany a positive attitude toward Israel, deep friendship and great sensitivity."

Addressing the refugee crisis, the Knesset Speaker noted the difference in circumstances but emphasized that Israel had special expertise in the absorption of various immigrants from around the world. 

The Chancellor was especially interested in Edelstein's own personal history as a Prisoner of Zion who immigrated to the Jewish state form the Soviet Union in the 1980s. 

Commenting on the wave of Arab terror plaguing Israel, Edelstein stressed there is "no magic solution to stabbing terror, because it is not organized and occurs as a result of incitement experienced by Palestinian youth on social networks."

"We have been warning about this incitement for a long time and now we're seeing its results in terrorist attacks."

Regarding the possibility of renewing the peace process, Edelstein told Merkel that at the present time Israel "should strive to create partnerships with our neighbors in the areas of water conservation, agriculture and technology."

"Measures like these will change the atmosphere and make it easier to find political solutions and sign agreements in the future," he asserted.