Israel and Germany upgraded their ties on Monday approving a number of joint projects that were signed in a historic joiut cabinet meeting attended by both Israeli and German ministers. The session marked the first time cabinets from both countries met for joint consultations and the first time German cabinet ministers have conducted a joint session outside Europe. The German chancellor reiterated Germany's commitment to Israel's safety: "(Obviously) the situation makes negotiating with the Palestinians difficult," said Merkel. "The rocket fire of southern Israel, as the continuance building in of settlements, makes the process harder." 03/17/08