Berlin shifts strategy in the Gaza conflict
In a significant shift in policy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on August 8, 2025, that the country would halt the approval of arms exports to Israel for military use in the Gaza Strip. This decision, which marks a departure from Germany's historically strong support for Israel, has sparked reactions and consequences that are far-reaching.
Merz's announcement came as a response to Israel's intensified military plans to take control of Gaza City, with the aim of defeating Hamas. The German government finds it increasingly difficult to justify these actions given the humanitarian suffering in Gaza. Merz emphasized Germany’s concern for civilian suffering and the need for humanitarian access while still affirming Israel’s right to self-defense and the priority of hostage release and ceasefire negotiations.
The decision to partially halt arms exports has led to a dramatic change in Germany's policy and diplomatic stance amid the Gaza conflict. It has also sparked political backlash within Germany, particularly from conservative parties such as the CDU and CSU, who criticize the embargo as unilateral, misguided, and damaging to Germany’s security and military cooperation with Israel. Some warn of jeopardizing bilateral security agreements and future defense projects, notably a $260 million anti-missile defense deal with Elbit Systems, an Israeli company.
Israeli officials and members of Merz's inner circle have expressed surprise at the abruptness and departure from Germany's traditional support, rooted in historical responsibility stemming from the Holocaust. In response, a German defense company is reportedly considering shifting operations to the US to avoid impacts from the embargo.
The Israeli security cabinet, however, has agreed to a plan with five principles to end the war in the Gaza Strip, including the disarmament of Islamic Hamas, the return of all hostages, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, Israeli security control of the coastal region, and the establishment of a civilian administration not under the control of Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
The opposition in Germany believes the federal government's policy shift doesn't go far enough and wants Chancellor Merz and Foreign Minister Wadephul to actively push for a political process and serious pressure for an end to the war and humanitarian catastrophe, the release of hostages, and a political perspective. Lea Reisner, a Left Party politician, has even called for suspending the EU association agreement and recognizing Palestine.
As the situation unfolds, it reflects a complex balancing act between supporting Israel’s security and addressing humanitarian and ethical concerns amid escalating conflict. The German government remains deeply concerned about the ongoing suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip and urges Israel to allow comprehensive access for aid deliveries.
References:
[1] Deutsche Welle (2025). Germany halts arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-halts-arms-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-conflict/a-61436974
[2] The Jerusalem Post (2025). Merz: Germany halts arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/merz-germany-halts-arms-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-conflict-688288
[3] The Times of Israel (2025). Germany halts arms exports to Israel amid Gaza conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/germany-halts-arms-exports-to-israel-amid-gaza-conflict/
[4] The Guardian (2025). Germany halts arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict sparks criticism within Germany. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/08/germany-halts-arms-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-conflict-sparks-criticism-within-germany
[5] Bloomberg (2025). German defense firm reportedly considering US shift to avoid arms embargo impact. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-08/german-defense-firm-reportedly-considering-us-shift-to-avoid-arms-embargo-impact
- The decision by the German government to partially halt arms exports to Israel has sparked debate in Germany's general news, politics, and crime-and-justice sectors, with conservative parties such as the CDU and CSU criticizing the move as unilateral and potentially damaging to Germany’s future defense projects.
- As war-and-conflicts continue in the Gaza Strip, the opposition in Germany is pushing for a more active role from Chancellor Merz and Foreign Minister Wadephul, calling for a political process, an end to the conflict, the release of hostages, and a political perspective, including the suspension of the EU association agreement and recognizing Palestine, as suggested by Lea Reisner of the Left Party.
- In response to the arms embargo, a German defense company is reportedly considering shifting operations to the US to avoid potential impacts, a move that highlights the far-reaching consequences of the German government's service industry decisions.
