Arms exports heading to Israel worth around EUR 4 million
New Government Maintains Arms Sales to Israel Amid Intense Debate
Berlin - The brand-new coalition government comprising the Union and SPD in Germany has authorized arms exports valued at approximately €3.9 million ($4.6 million) to Israel within the initial phase of just five weeks since their rule began. This revelation was unveiled by the Ministry of Economics in response to a query from Desiree Becker, a Bundestag member affiliated with the Left Party[2][3][4].
Between 7th May and 10th June 2025, German manufacturers have been licensed to deliver military equipment to Israel, a country often criticized for its military activities in the Palestinian Gaza Strip. However, it's essential to note that no lethal weapons were included in these exports, according to obtained information[2].
In comparison to the previous government, this approval amount is relatively low. The traffic light coalition and the preceding red-green minority government had sanctioned arms exports of almost half a billion euros after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, starting from October 2023 to mid-2025. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the figure reached €28 million. This placed Israel in the top 10 among key recipients of German arms[3][4][5].
Ongoing discussions concerning German arms deliveries to Israel have persisted for quite some time. In fact, a lawsuit linked to genocide is pending at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, where Nicaragua accuses Germany of complicity in genocide[5].
In recent weeks, the new German government has boosted its critique against Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip. Calls for an outright cessation of arms exports to Israel have emerged from the SPD faction, while the Union opposes this stance[5].
Left Party politician Desiree Becker deemed the federal government's approval of arms exports worth €4 million as "alarmingly irresponsible from a security and humanitarian perspective" amid escalating conflict in the region. She also expressed the opinion that "medicines and food" could have been delivered in lieu of these exports to the Gaza Strip instead[2].
As the German government grapples with this contentious issue, Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip remain under review by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. He emphasized that future arms deliveries would hinge on whether the actions in Gaza align with international humanitarian law's principles, ultimately hinting at the possibility of suspended arms exports dependent on the review results[1][5]. On the other hand, other political figures, including Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, have advocated for continued arms exports[5].
It's crucial to mention that Germany's support to Israel continues, albeit alongside diplomatic critique and ongoing legal scrutiny, reflecting the delicate balance of foreign policy and defense export strategies.
The new German government's economic and social policy includes the authorization of arms sales to Israel, a decision met with intense debate given the country's political climate and general-news context of military activities in the Gaza Strip. Despite the controversy, ongoing discussions persist regarding German arms deliveries to Israel, with some calling for a complete cessation of exports, while others advocate for continued sales.
