escalating criticism against Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu for his proposed takeover of Gaza City
Germany Suspends Military Exports to Israel Over Gaza Strip Concerns
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on August 8, 2025, that Germany would suspend approval for military exports to Israel intended for use in the Gaza Strip "until further notice." This decision comes in response to Israel's escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip, following the Israeli Security Cabinet's approval of a plan to take control of Gaza City.
In a significant policy shift from Germany's historically strong support for Israel, Merz expressed concerns over the intensified Israeli military operations in Gaza, particularly the plan to seize Gaza City. He emphasized that the current conditions make it difficult to see how Germany’s objectives of supporting hostage release and seeking a ceasefire could be achieved.
Despite the suspension, Merz clarified that Germany’s broader support for Israel remains intact. He stated the suspension only applies to arms that could be used in the Gaza conflict, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between supporting Israel and endorsing every military action by the Israeli government. Merz took full responsibility for the decision, describing it as driven by concern over civilian casualties and the worsening humanitarian situation.
The decision has drawn criticism both internationally and within Germany, including from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who hopes the policy will be reconsidered. Within Germany, Merz faced pressure from parts of his own political party, but he defended the move by underlining the risk of civilian harm in Gaza and Germany’s responsibility not to contribute to an exclusively military resolution of the conflict.
Merz also called for ensuring humanitarian aid access in Gaza, stressing that the Israeli government bears responsibility to facilitate assistance to civilians and allow the United Nations and NGOs unrestricted access.
In summary, the key details of Merz's announcement are:
- Suspension of German arms exports to Israel specifically for use in Gaza until further notice.
- Motivated by Israel’s plan to take Gaza City, raising humanitarian and civilian casualty concerns.
- Germany continues to support Israel’s right to defend itself but opposes supplying weapons for a conflict risking many civilian lives.
- Merz takes personal responsibility for this policy shift.
- The move marks a notable departure from Germany's historical stance and comes amid international criticism of Israel’s Gaza strategy.
- The suspension is in response to Israel's escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
- European leaders, Arab nations, and a group representing hostage families condemned Netanyahu's plans.
- The German government's statement indicates a widening gulf between Netanyahu's government and some of its traditional allies.
- At least one European ally announced a halt to military exports to Israel over the move.
- The German government's stance could have implications for Israel's military exports from other countries.
The intensifying 22-month war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip has led to a worsening humanitarian crisis. The German government's announcement adds to the international pushback against Netanyahu's plans to take control of Gaza City, suggesting a growing unease with Netanyahu's actions among traditional allies of Israel.
- This decision by the German Chancellor to suspend military exports to Israel is closely related to the ongoing war-and-conflicts in the Gaza Strip, as the suspension applies specifically to arms that could be used in the armed conflict.
- The German government's stance, driven by concerns over the worsening humanitarian situation and civilian casualties, has political implications, highlighting a shift in policies and potentially creating a widening gulf between traditional allies of Israel and their views on Israeli politics.
