German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed him of Israel’s strike on Iran in an early-morning phone call around 04:00 on Friday. Merz told reporters that Berlin had been briefed on the operation shortly before it began, a detail also reported by Der Spiegel. He reaffirmed what he called Israel’s legitimate right to defend the existence and security of its citizens while urging both Jerusalem and Tehran to avoid further escalation. Following the conversation, Merz convened his security cabinet and activated a crisis unit that is reviewing contingency plans, including possible evacuations of German nationals from the region. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt ordered heightened protection for Jewish institutions and Israeli facilities across Germany, while security agencies continue to monitor potential threats linked to the conflict. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who was already travelling in the Middle East, altered his itinerary to remain in the region in an effort to help de-escalate tensions. Merz also held separate calls with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to coordinate European responses. Berlin’s stance stops short of condemning Israel’s action, focusing instead on containing the fallout and deterring retaliation by Iran.