Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel and Hamas are "very shortly expected to move into the second phase of the ceasefire," after Hamas returns the remains of the last hostage held in Gaza.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sought to repair relations with Israel when he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, after months of disagreements over Israels

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel and Hamas are expected to move into the second phase of their cease-fire soon.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday met to discuss the recent delivery of the Israeli-made Arrow 3 anti-missile defense system to Germany, as well as trade relations after the conclusion of the Israel-Hamas War.

The leaders are expected to meet at the Prime Minister's Office, after which they will hold a joint press conference; Chancellor Merz arrived in Israel on Saturday and met with President Isaac Herzog

Tension is rising in Jerusalem as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clashes with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the future of Gaza and Palestinian statehood. Merz refused to recognize a Palestinian state during his first official visit,