Budget consultations include the Commission's review for the January-December timeframe.
In a significant shift in foreign policy, the German Federal Government announced on August 8, 2025, that it would halt all exports of military equipment to Israel due to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. This decision came after Israel announced an expansion of its military operation in the region on Friday, with the Israeli security cabinet deciding to capture the city of Gaza following hours of deliberations.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) made the announcement, stating that no exports of military equipment that could be used in the war would be approved for the time being. The decision was made by the coalition parties CDU, CSU, and SPD, in response to deep concern about the expanded military offensive and its impact on civilians.
The move has sparked a range of reactions from German politicians. While reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense and the necessity of disarming Hamas, there is a clear expression of concern that the intensified military campaign is not conducive to achieving peace or protecting hostages. Merz emphasized the importance of humanitarian access to civilians and urged for ceasefire negotiations alongside efforts to secure hostages' release.
The decision has also resonated strongly among German historians, with Israeli historian Moshe Zimmermann, emeritus professor of modern history at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, considering the decision by the federal chancellor long overdue. Zimmermann welcomes the halt in arms exports, stating that despite having minimal impact, it sets a significant sign. He notes that the Israeli military is primarily dependent on its own production and that of the Americans.
However, not everyone in Germany shares this view. Former Berlin Senator for Culture, Joe Chialo, criticized the decision as morally and politically arrogant. CDU Parliamentary State Secretary Matthias Hauer also condemned the Federal Government's decision as a grave error.
In Israel, the decision faced strong opposition, particularly from relatives of hostages held by the terrorist organization Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed disappointment in a phone call with Chancellor Merz. Despite this, the decision is seen by some as a significant and historic turning point, as Germany has long maintained a sense of responsibility towards Israel rooted in the Holocaust.
As the conflict continues, the impact of this decision remains to be seen. A video conference meeting of the working group on foreign policy of the Union faction is scheduled for Sunday, where the implications of this decision and potential next steps will likely be discussed.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's announcement to halt exports of military equipment that could be used in war-and-conflicts marked a shift in Germany's policy-and-legislation towards Israel, due to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. This decision, made by the coalition parties CDU, CSU, and SPD, also sparked reactions among German politicians, with some expressing concern about the impact on general-news such as civil rights and peace negotiations.
