Chancellor affirms no shift in Israel policy
Germany has imposed a partial halt on arms exports to Israel following Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s announcement in early August 2025. This embargo suspends the approval of export licenses for military goods that might be used in Gaza, in direct response to Israel's security cabinet decision to militarily occupy Gaza City and intensify its operations there.
The decision was the culmination of weeks of discussions within the German government. Merz, the CDU leader, emphasized that while Germany supports Israel’s right to self-defense, the Israeli government's plan to take control of Gaza made it unclear how defense objectives would be achieved, prompting this policy shift. The halt is not a total embargo but specifically targets weapons and military material that could be employed in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed himself about the German announcement, describing Merz as "a good friend of Israel." However, Merz clarified that while approval of new arms exports for use in Gaza is suspended, the traditional German policy of supporting Israel generally remains unchanged, and Berlin does not currently back suspending the EU-Israel trade agreement or recognizing Palestinian statehood.
Public response within Germany is strongly supportive of the partial arms export freeze, with polls showing 83% approval and calls for even more political pressure on Israel to end its Gaza campaign. Norbert Röttgen, deputy faction leader and foreign policy expert, supports the Chancellor's decision, stating it was necessary in response to Israel's decisions to expand the war in Gaza and take military control.
However, there is strong outrage from the CSU and parts of Merz's own party, with several Union MPs calling it a serious mistake. Roderich Kiesewetter, a foreign policy expert, criticized the decision, stating that the credibility of statecraft is measured by the security cooperation and the promise to protect Jewish life and the State of Israel.
In summary, Germany’s current status is a partial suspension of new arms export licenses for military goods that could be used in Gaza, maintaining overall support for Israel’s right to self-defense but limiting direct military aid linked to the Gaza conflict. Merz, however, has stated that he did not make the decision alone, but bears ultimate responsibility for it. Internal talks within the coalition and the Union faction are ongoing to address these concerns.
The German government's policy shift, following Chancellor Friedrich Merz's announcement, includes a halt on new arms exports for military goods that could be employed in Gaza, amidst concerns over Israel's plan to take control of Gaza City and intensify operations there. This decision, while it does not constitute a total embargo, is part of a broader context of policy-and-legislation developments in war-and-conflicts and politics, as highlighted by Norbert Röttgen, a deputy faction leader and foreign policy expert.
