Chancellor Olaf Solz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed that “regional conflagration” and Hezbollah’s involvement in the conflict must be prevented, government spokesman Stephen Hebstreit said.

The two leaders spoke by phone twice today.

Mr. Hebstreit said Mr. Netanyahu briefed the chancellor on the current situation and Israel’s efforts to protect civilians in the Gaza Strip, which he said were being hindered by Hamas.

The two leaders agreed “on the importance of this issue,” the spokesman noted. According to him, Mr. Scholz reiterated Germany’s full solidarity with the people of Israel and underlined that Germany “stands steadfastly by Israel’s side.”

Earlier the chancellor, at a Social Democratic Party (SPD) event in Brandenburg, said he would continue to hold talks with heads of state and government who have influence in the region. “We must now do everything we can to ensure that there is no further escalation anywhere around Israel. This would be a terrifying development for the entire region and of course for Israel. This is terrorism that must be categorically rejected. We are on Israel’s side in defending freedom, democracy and the lives of its citizens,” he stressed.

In the last few days, the chancellor has communicated with the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, while on Tuesday he welcomes the King of Jordan, Abdullah II.