Merkel backs Iran sanctions at German-Israeli cabinet session

At a historic joint German-Israeli cabinet meeting in Berlin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has backed calls for sanctions on Iran, should Tehran continue to reject cooperation. At a joint cabinet meeting of the Israeli and German governments, German Chancellor Angela Merkel backed calls for tougher sanctions on Iran and stressed the historic importance of cooperation between Berlin and Tel Aviv.

"I believe that, in the framework of the historic responsibility we bear for Israel's existence and future, it is eminently important that we continue to work on developing cooperation in the entire range of our bilateral ties," Merkel said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was met by Merkel at the chancellery and around 10 ministers from each side held talks throughout the day.

Netanyahu also visited the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe next to Berlin's Brandenburg Gate. (...)