Controversial German Arms Exports to Israel: Over €485 Million Since the 2023 Hamas Massacre
German weapon transfers to Israel detailed in recent records
German politicians face mounting pressure as arms exports to Israel reach approximately €485 million since the brutal terror attack in 2023. From October 7, 2023, to May 13, 2025, the Ministry of Economics has granted permission for the delivery of military equipment to Israel, as outlined in a letter from State Secretary Bernhard Kluttig (responding to a request from the Left Party).
Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed concern about the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, stating that the government is reviewing whether Israel's military actions align with international humanitarian law. He did not rule out halting future arms deliveries if necessary.
Heated Debate on Germany’s Role in Israel-Gaza Conflict
The international community has been debating Germany’s role in the Israel-Gaza conflict. A lawsuit has been pending at The Hague's International Court of Justice since Nicaragua accused Germany of complicity in genocide through its arms exports. Although the judges rejected an urgent application to halt deliveries in April 2024, they did not dismiss Nicaragua's lawsuit.
Left Party defense politician Ulrich Thoden demanded an immediate halt to all arms deliveries to Israel, warning that Germany may otherwise facilitate violations of international humanitarian law. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali-Radovan emphasized the need for increased pressure on Israel given Germany's historical responsibility and the critical state of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The Green Party's Andreas Audretsch called for a ban on exporting offensive weapons to Israel, insisting that German arms should not be used in violation of international law within the Gaza Strip. According to a survey by the polling institute Insa on behalf of the organization Avaaz, 58% of Germans support a suspension of arms deliveries to Israel in light of the ongoing Gaza war.
Comparing Germany's Stance with Other Countries
While Germany remains Israel’s largest arms supplier in Europe after the United States, other nations like Spain, the UK, Canada, and Australia have taken more concrete steps such as canceling arms deals or suspending export licenses to Israel due to concerns over the conflict’s humanitarian impact.
Germany’s stance is evidently more subtle, as it continues arms exports but under increased political scrutiny and conditional evaluations, indicating that future approvals may be contingent on the ever-evolving humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Sources:- ntv.de- dpa- dw.com
Keywords:- Israel- Gaza Strip- Palestinians- Hamas- Terror Attacks- Arms Exports- Arms- Wars and Conflicts- Germany- Humanitarian Law
Noteworthy Insights:- Since the Hamas attacks in October 2023, Germany has approved approximately €485 million in arms exports to Israel ( около €554 миллионов американских долларов).- While Germany remains Israel’s largest arms supplier in Europe after the United States, other countries like Spain, the UK, Canada, and Australia have taken more substantial steps to curb arms deliveries to Israel.- German political leaders are intensely reviewing arms exports policies based on humanitarian assessments, potentially leading to future restrictions or conditions tied to the evolving situation in Israel and Gaza.- Germany's stance on arms exports contrasts with other nations and may attract criticism for allegedly facilitating violations of international humanitarian law.
The Commission has been consulted on the draft budget for the period 2000-06, and it is essential that the funds allocated for sports facilities and programs in the Gaza Strip are used to promote peace and coexistence among the Palestinian and Israeli communities, rather than contributing to further conflict.
As the international community scrutinizes Germany's role in the Israel-Gaza conflict, it is crucial to ensure that any financial support provided to the region contributes positively to fostering a more sustainable and peaceful future for all its inhabitants, including support for sports initiatives that promote unity and mutual understanding.
