It is not by accident that visits to Israel will serve as bookends to Merkel's term in office: Both trips gave tangible expression to the importance she attributes to Berlin’s ties with Jerusalem.
Merkel is in Israel on a two-day visit as she concludes her 16 years in office, with SPD leader Olaf Scholz her likely replacement.
Merkel and Bennett to visit Yad Vashem and the outgoing German chancellor will also be awarded an honorary doctorate from Technion-Israel Institute of Technology.
This will be Merkel's seventh official trip to the Jewish state since she took office in 2005. Merkel has been a strong ally and friend of Israel during her tenure at the country's helm.
Merkel told Bennett that she needs to stay in Germany to oversee the evacuation of soldiers from Afghanistan.
Germany is home to the fastest-growing medical cannabis market outside the US.
"The joint work with MK Pindrus is a wonderful chance to show the pluralism and variety of Israeli society," said MK Gadeer Mreeh.
"I wish you enjoyable festivities, despite all the restrictions the COVID‑19 pandemic brings. Stay healthy! May all your good resolutions and your wishes for the new year come to fruition."
The two countries are marking 55 years of diplomatic relations
The Foreign Minister also called on Germany to join the effort to stop the UN arms embargo from running out in October.
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