Merkel: E.U. committed to Israel

The European Union is committed to fighting anti-Semitism and ensuring Israel is secure, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in Jerusalem. Merkel, who holds the rotating presidency of the European Council, was in Israel as part of European efforts to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.Merkel, who paid her respects at Yad Vashem, said there would be no compromise on Western demands that the new Palestinian Authority coalition government recognize the Jewish state and renounce violence.”I feel deep sorrow over the Holocaust and the crimes of the Nazis. I am aware of the responsibility we carry,” she said in a speech Sunday. “We recognize Israel’s right to exist. We will fight the new anti-Semitism along with the old. Germany and the European Union are committed to the security of the citizens of Israel.”