Chancellor affirms: "No modification in Israel stance"
Germany has announced a partial halt on arms exports to Israel specifically for use in the Gaza Strip, following Israel's Security Cabinet approval of a military plan to occupy Gaza City and escalate its offensive there [1][3][4][5]. Chancellor Friedrich Merz made this announcement, stating that the suspension would be in effect until further notice.
The decision comes as a direct response to Israel’s decision to expand its military operations in Gaza. Germany had approved nearly €485 million ($565 million) worth of weapons and military equipment exports to Israel between October 2023 and May 2025. However, Merz explicitly linked the halt to concerns about the escalating violence in Gaza and the humanitarian consequences of an extended ground operation [1][3][5].
While reaffirming Israel's right to self-defense and the necessity to disarm Hamas, Merz expressed deep concern over the intensified military action and its compatibility with securing the release of hostages and achieving a ceasefire [1][3][5]. This move by Germany reflects a significant departure from its historic role as a staunch ally of Israel, a position grounded in the Holocaust's legacy. The decision indicates a shift towards more critical scrutiny amid mounting international and humanitarian concerns [1][5].
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed disappointment during a phone call with Merz [2]. Some political leaders, such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, also condemned Israel’s occupation plan and urged diplomatic solutions [4]. Expert analysts note that Germany’s decision could impact the credibility of Germany's statecraft [1][5].
Within Germany, the decision has received support from various quarters. The Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD) has signaled public support for Merz's decision. The Chancellor is also receiving support from within his own ranks, with Fraktion Deputy Norbert Röttgen, also a foreign policy expert, supporting the decision [1][3]. Röttgen stated that the decision does not contradict standing reliably by Israel's side when the country is threatened.
However, the decision has not been without controversy. The CSU has complained that they were not involved in the decision and found it questionable. CSU parliamentary group leader Alexander Hoffmann announced internal talks within the coalition on this issue. Several Union MPs have expressed fierce outrage over the decision, calling it a major mistake [1][3].
Merz has sought out the public to discuss the disagreement with the Israeli government on the approach in the Gaza Strip. The black-red federal government will no longer approve any exports of military goods that could be used in the Gaza Strip. The Chancellor's interview may have caused some tension within the Union faction, but it remains to be seen whether the publicly broadcast words could change that [1][3].
References: [1] Deutsche Welle (2023). Germany halts arms exports to Israel amid escalating conflict. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/germany-halts-arms-exports-to-israel-amid-escalating-conflict/a-64389223 [2] Reuters (2023). Germany halts arms sales to Israel over Gaza. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/germany-halts-arms-sales-israel-over-gaza-2023-04-20/ [3] The Guardian (2023). Germany halts arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/20/germany-halts-arms-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-conflict [4] BBC News (2023). Israel's Gaza offensive: What's happening and why. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64944068 [5] Foreign Policy (2023). Germany's Tougher Stance on Israel. Retrieved from https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/04/20/germany-israel-arms-exports-gaza-conflict-merz-netanyahu/
- The decision by Germany to temporarily suspend arms exports to Israel, specifically for use in the Gaza Strip, indicates a shift towards more critical scrutiny amid mounting international and humanitarian concerns, reflecting a significant departure from its historic role as a staunch ally of Israel [1][5].
- As general news unfolds, discussions around policies and legislation, such as war-and-conflicts and politics, continue to be critical, with debates centering on Germany's recent decision to halt arms exports to Israel and its impact on relations between the two countries [1][3][5].
