Europe must clearly define its own security interests: Merkel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says Europe must define its own security interests more clearly after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, reported dpa.

"America is no longer unconditionally prepared to take a leading role everywhere in the world," Merkel said on Monday during a discussion with representatives of the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Jerusalem.

Merkel, who will leave office when a new German coalition is formed following last month's parliamentary elections, is making a farewell visit to Israel.

She arrived in the country on Sunday and held a meeting with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, where she emphasized the responsibility of future German governments for Israel's security and a determined fight against anti-Semitism.

Speaking before her departure on Monday, Merkel highlighted the "common security interests" shared by Europe and Israel.

On efforts to curb Iran's nuclear programme, Merkel said the talks were currently "in a critical" phase. She said that the development of nuclear weapons by Tehran had to be prevented at all costs, but conceded that there were differences of opinion about the right way forward.

Merkel also said that she regretted that the issue of the Palestinians had recently increasingly "disappeared from the current agenda," and that "the rights of the Palestinians must not be lost sight of."

INSS head Professor Manuel Trajtenberg said Israel was "full of respect and even admiration" for Merkel because of her clear support for the Jewish state. He asked her to continue devoting part of her time to Israel and its problems after her term in office ends, "to help us help ourselves".