The ambush that met the Israeli forces on their way out, and the airstrikes that followed, turned the operation into a diplomatic issue stretching from Damascus to Washington.

The visit follows weeks of sharp clashes between the two and criticism Ben-Gvir faced during his previous trip to the town.

The hunger strike began on November 2 to commemorate the anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, with activists Qesser Zuhrah and Amu Gib refusing food.

The UN warned Israel over alleged abuses against rights defenders and detainees, calling for stronger legal protections and impartial investigations.

Progress on submarines, Arrow defense, and AI cooperation signals Israel-Germany ties remain strong despite recent tensions from the war.