Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Germany on Wednesday for talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel, amid tension at home over a corruption scandal and worries over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Netanyahu is expected to press Merkel for support in his efforts to persuade the United States to maintain sanctions against Iran and to continue to oppose Tehran’s nuclear activities.
He will also seek backing for his government’s positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly its opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state.
The visit comes at a sensitive time for the Israeli leader, who has been the focus of a corruption scandal at home that has seen three of his former associates arrested. Earlier this week, police recommended Netanyahu be charged over the affair.
Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing and is not expected to be detained while in Germany.
The visit is also expected to touch on Germany’s efforts to combat anti-Semitism in Europe, particularly in the wake of the far-right’s gains in the recent German elections.