Gathering in association after strategic adjustment in Middle Eastern politics - Gathering at the Union following a shift in foreign policy regarding the Middle East
In a significant shift in foreign policy, the German federal government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), has halted arms exports to Israel "until further notice" in response to Israel's decision to militarily occupy Gaza City[1][2]. This suspension prohibits granting permissions for weapons and military goods that "may be utilized in the Gaza Strip," reflecting a clear policy shift due to concerns about the escalating conflict in Gaza.
Historically, Germany was one of Israel’s most steadfast allies, exporting €485 million worth of arms and military equipment between October 2023 and May 2025[2]. However, the halt was announced as a direct reaction to Israel’s Security Cabinet endorsing a plan to take over Gaza City militarily, a move criticized internationally and viewed by Berlin as complicating prospects for a ceasefire and hostage negotiations[1][2].
Chancellor Merz reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense but emphasized the need for Israel to ensure humanitarian aid access in Gaza and expressed concern about the intensifying military actions there[2][4]. This pause in arms exports marks one of the most consequential foreign policy moves in recent German history, indicating a more cautious approach towards Israel's military actions in the Middle East[4].
Despite this suspension, Germany had approved the delivery of certain previously ordered arms, including submarines to Israel, reflecting that some commitments from prior export approvals continue to progress under existing licenses[5].
On Sunday, a video conference is scheduled among CDU, CSU foreign policy experts, the AG Foreign Affairs, Günter Sautter, and others to discuss this policy shift[3]. The meeting, previously reported by the "Bild" newspaper, comes as several Union MPs have written about their disapproval of the decision to halt arms exports[6]. The CSU has also expressed criticism about the sudden decision[7].
This news underscores the complexity of foreign policy decision-making, as Germany navigates its historical ties with Israel while addressing human rights and conflict concerns in the Middle East. The video conference on Sunday is expected to provide further insights into the German government's approach to this critical issue.
[1] [Bild Newspaper Article Link] [2] [German Government Statement Link] [3] [Faction Circle Confirmation Link] [4] [Analysis Article Link] [5] [German Government Explanatory Note Link] [6] [MP Criticism Article Link] [7] [CSU Criticism Statement Link]
- The German federal government's decision to halt arms exports to Israel, a major supplier of military equipment, is a notable shift in policy-and-legislation, particularly in the context of policy-and-legislation concerning war-and-conflicts and politics, given Berlin's concern about the escalation of the conflict in Gaza and complications for a ceasefire and hostage negotiations.
- Amid international criticism, the suspension of arms exports to Israel by the German government is a significant example of foreign policy affecting the general-news landscape, as it demonstrates the delicate balance the government must maintain in navigating historical ties with Israel while addressing human rights and conflict concerns in the Middle East, a matter further explored in the upcoming CDU, CSU foreign policy experts meeting.
