Skip next section Leaders of Germany and Spain admit 'divergent views' on GazaGerman Chancellor's Merz's first visit in office to Madrid comes amid tensions over Israel Image: Burak Akbulut/Anadolu/picture allianceGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said Spain and Germany have acknowledged "divergent views" and draw "different conclusions" on the conflict in Gaza. Merz met on Thursday with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, with the visit in Madrid coming as the EU discusses potential sanctions on Israel over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave. With several EU member states expressing support for sanctions, Germany remains a notable holdout. Conservative Merz said Germany stands "firmly" with Israel but described its military response in Gaza as "disproportionate." However, Merz made it clear the Germany has no plans to recognize a Palestinian state, which Spain did in 2024.