Germany’s Scholz calls on Israel to contribute to de-escalation in Middle East

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday called on Israel to contribute to de-escalation in the Middle East after Iran’s weekend attack on Israel.

“Everyone agrees that the way Israel managed to repel this attack with regional and international partners was really impressive. This is also a great achievement by the Israeli army,” Scholz told reporters in Shanghai during his visit to China.

“This is a success that should not be given away. Therefore our advice is to contribute to de-escalation,” he stressed.

His remarks came as Israel’s major allies, including the US and the UK, have stepped up their diplomatic efforts to persuade Israel to hold off on a retaliatory strike, in order to avert a wider war in the region.

Iran on Saturday launched an airborne attack on Israel in retaliation for an April 1 airstrike on its diplomatic compound in the Syrian capital. It reportedly fired more than 300 drones and missiles, with almost all intercepted by the air defense systems of Israel and its allies – the US, France, and the UK.