Israel to Host Germany’s Merkel in October

As diplomatic visits go, it promises to be one of the liveliest in a while. Arguably among the most volatile of pairings, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will visit Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for a two-day visit on October 3 and 4. The two leaders have a history of blunt, sometimes loud and less-than-diplomatic interaction, Merkel known to let Netanyahu have it in no uncertain terms. It’s been four years since Merkel’s last official visit to Israel. Her visit will include the full state-visit treatment, with events and visits planned in addition to talks with officials. The Israel Museum will be closed for a day in order to serve as the venue for events attended by the Chancellor. The University of Haifa will bestow an honorary doctorate on Merkel.