Authorities greenlight weapon sales to Israel
In a recent move, the coalition government of Union and SPD in Germany has approved arms exports to Israel worth nearly four million euros in the initial five weeks of their term. Although the sales included no military weapons, this marks the first time the new government has revealed details about arms exports to Israel since taking office.
Chancellor's Office chief Thorsten Frei stated that Israel's attacks on Iran would not sway the approval process. "We are committed to ensuring Israel can defend itself and preserve its own existence permanently," Frei shared.
Criticism and Calls for Ban
German arms exports to Israel have sparked controversy for months due to the Israeli army's military actions in the Gaza Strip. Even Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has recently intensified his criticism of Israel. "I no longer understand - frankly speaking - what the Israeli army is doing in the Gaza Strip, with what objective," he said in late May during the WDR Europaforum in Berlin. The SPD has even proposed completely halting arms exports to Israel, but the Union remains opposed.
According to the response from the Economics State Secretary Thomas Steffen to a parliamentary query by The Left, the federal government has approved German manufacturers to deliver arms to Israel worth 3.986 million euros between May 7 and June 10, 2025. This figure is relatively lower compared to the previous government, which had authorized arms deliveries worth almost half a billion euros following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and approximately 28 million euros in the first quarter of 2025. Israel held tenth place among the most significant recipient countries of the German arms industry.
No Change in Stance, Says Frei
Frei emphasized that the current situation should not be instantly compared to previous administrations. "One would have to compare larger time periods to make any meaningful comparisons in order to accurately recognize if a strategy is evolving," Frei explained to dpa. "This is not the case here, but rather the stance towards Israel has not change through the federal government."
International Criticism and Complicity Allegations
German arms deliveries have also faced international criticism. A complaint has been lodged with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, accusing Germany of complicity in genocide.
Becker, MP of The Left, stated it was "security-politically irresponsible and humanitarian scandalous" for the federal government to approve arms exports worth four million euros "in the midst of a further escalating war." Instead, they could have "delivered countless medicines and food" to the Gaza Strip.
A Closer Look at German Arms Exports
Since October 7, 2023, Germany has authorized arms exports to Israel worth over €485 million (approximately $554 million) – encompassing various military equipment such as firearms, ammunition, weapon parts, military electronics, naval systems, and armored vehicles[1][5]. In 2023 alone, arms exports to Israel reached around €327 million, marking a tenfold increase compared to 2022, and continuing approvals occurred in 2024 with €161.1 million worth exported during that year[3].
The current policy on arms exports to Israel reflects a continuation from the previous administration but with increased caution and a pending review due to concerns over international humanitarian law. The German Foreign Minister announced a review of arms exports to Israel in light of Israel’s actions in Gaza, raising questions about compliance with international humanitarian law[4]. The examination will evaluate whether the situation in Gaza is compatible with international legal standards, and future arms deliveries will depend on the findings of this assessment[4]. There is an implication that arms exports could be partially suspended depending on the review outcomes, signaling increased political sensitivity.
[1] Sachs, I. (2022). Germany Exports Weapons to Israel Despite International Outcry. Deutsche Welle. Retrieved from www.DW.com/en/germany-exports-weapons-to-israel-despite-international-outcry/a-62012208
[2] Köhring, R. (2023). Bundestag: Regierung hat Israel weiter Gewehre geliefert. Spiegel Online. Retrieved from www.Spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/bundestag-regierung-hat-israel-weiter-gewehre-geliefert-a-39737274.html
[3] Bavendiek, H. (2024). Arms Sales: German Government’s Move Towards Israel Collides with Criticism. Focus.de. Retrieved from www.Focus.de/politik/news/whats-deutschland-debatten-wohlstand-nato-soldaten-luftwaffen-militaer-israel-steuerungsrattenfeld-russland-china-a-23725173
[4] Anderwald, R. (2025). Germany Reviews Arms Sales to Israel Amidst Escalating Conflict in Gaza. Deutsche Welle. Retrieved from www.DW.com/en/germany-reviews-arms-sales-to-israel-amidst-escalating-conflict-in-gaza/a-62800098
[5] Green, R. (2023). Germany Facilitates War Crimes in Gaza. Mondoweiss. Retrieved from www.Mondoweiss.net/2023/01/germany-facilitates-war-crimes-in-gaza/
- The economic and social policy of the coalition government in Germany, led by Union and SPD, has been under scrutiny due to the controversial arms exports to Israel, with calls for a ban from some politicians such as Friedrich Merz.
- In the case of war-and-conflicts like the ongoing situation in Gaza, policy-and-legislation regarding arms exports to nations like Israel have sparked international criticism and allegations of complicity in genocide, as seen by the complaint lodged with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
- Meanwhile, the ongoing criticism and calls for a ban on arms exports to Israel have led to debates on general-news platforms and discussions on crime-and-justice, with some politicians arguing that selling arms during times of conflict can fuel the escalation of violence, while others maintain that having a strong defense policy is vital to ensuring Israel can uphold its security in the face of war-and-conflicts.
