Blasting Through Barriers: Germany's Continued Arms Exports to Israel
Half a billion Euros worth of armor exports to Israel recorded - Almost €500 million worth of arms exported to Israel
Germany has been a rock-solid supporter of Israel, even amidst mounting global criticism. The country's Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, has openly declared that Germany will stick by Israel's side, primarily through armament deliveries. This stance is in line with Germany's historical backing of Israel's security and right to self-defense.
However, the situation in Gaza continues to be a hotbed for debates around international humanitarian law. Activists and some nations are petitioning for accountability, accusing Israel of potential war crimes and crimes against humanity. Yet, in direct violation of the Arms Trade Treaty, military exports remain unabated.
The demanding eyes of the international community are fixed on Gaza, with pleas for increased humanitarian aid and Israel's commitment to ensuring safe distribution of this aid. Germany, for its part, has emphasized the need for Israel to intensify emergency aid for Palestinian civilians.
The Numbers Don't Lie
- Arms Deliveries: Germany's own arms deliveries to Israel have reached an astounding number since a series of attacks. Over the period of October 7, 2023, to May 13, 2025, the government approved arms exports worth nearly half a billion euros[1]. However, the status of recent government approvals post-May 6, 2025, remains unclear.
- Israel's Booming Defense Market: Israel's defense exports skyrocketed in 2024, reaching new heights despite global criticism. The European market accounted for over half of these exports, demonstrating a persisting demand amidst potential political friction[2].
In a recent interview, Wadephul hinted at the possibility of an evaluation of Israel's adherence to international humanitarian law[3]. If this assessment reveals any violations, Wadephul suggested that arms deliveries might be reconsidered – or even halted. It's a potential game-changer, adding an element of unpredictability to Germany's long-standing support for Israel.
- Israel
- Arms Export
- Germany
- Hamas
- International Humanitarian Law
- Johann Wadephul
- Gaza
- Europa
- Arms Embargo
- Despite mounting global criticism and ongoing debates about potential war crimes and humanitarian issues in Gaza, Germany's Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, has suggested that arms exports to Israel might be reassessed if an evaluation of Israel's adherence to international humanitarian law reveals any violations, hinting at a potential shift in Germany's long-standing arms export policy.
- Amidst increasing worldwide scrutiny and pleas for accountability, Germany has continued to ship a substantial amount of arms to Israel, with arms exports reaching almost half a billion euros between October 7, 2023, and May 13, 2025, demonstrating the complex interplay of policy-and-legislation, politics, and general-news in these war-and-conflicts.
