Germany halts military equipment shipments to Israel, intended for deployment in Gaza.
Germany Suspends Arms Exports to Israel in Response to Gaza Conflict
Germany has suspended all approvals for arms exports to Israel "until further notice," in a significant policy shift that reflects the country's concern over the escalating conflict in Gaza and its humanitarian impact. The suspension was announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz on August 8, 2025, following the Israeli government's decision to expand military operations and occupy Gaza City.
The halt targets all weapons and military goods that might be used in Gaza. This decision comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza is described as unbearable by both Chancellor Merz and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil of the Social Democrats. Merz reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense and emphasized the necessity to disarm Hamas, but expressed that the intensified military action complicates efforts to release hostages and achieve a ceasefire.
This suspension does not affect defensive systems such as missile defense or naval equipment, and may apply only to new contracts rather than deliveries from prior agreements. Germany continues to urge Israel to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza and to avoid territorial annexations in areas like Judea and Samaria.
The decision to embargo arms to Israel has been a dramatic step for Germany, where the chancellor's tone towards Israel had been sharpening in recent months as the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorated. The Israeli Prime Minister's office stated that Germany is rewarding Hamas terrorism by embargoing arms to Israel, while Netanyahu expressed disappointment over Merz's decision.
A poll published by public broadcaster ARD found that 66 percent of Germans expect the government to exert greater influence over Israel to change its actions in Gaza. Global alarm has been growing over the suffering in Gaza, where a UN-backed assessment warns that famine is unfolding.
Despite the controversy, Germany's air force planes have joined others to airdrop humanitarian aid over the war-battered coastal territory of Gaza. Merz reiterated that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas' terror and that the release of hostages and negotiations on a ceasefire are top priorities.
Israel has enjoyed broad support across the political spectrum in Germany, a country still seeking to atone for the World War II murder of more than six million Jews. However, the German government's Central Council of Jews also found Merz's decision disappointing, while the German-Israeli Society expressed concern over potential retaliation from Israel, affecting the future of German aerial defense.
Last month, 71 members of Israel's parliament passed a motion calling on the government to annex the occupied West Bank. The new military push agreed by the Israeli security cabinet makes it increasingly unclear how these goals are to be achieved.
[1] The Guardian [2] BBC News [3] Deutsche Welle [5] The Jerusalem Post
- Canada and France, along with other international bodies, have called on Israel to show restraint in its military operations in Gaza, citing the humanitarian crisis that has arisen as a result.
- In response to the suspension of arms exports to Israel by Germany, the Israeli Prime Minister's office accused international parties of rewarding Hamas terrorism and expressed disappointment over the decision.
- German chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized the necessity to disarm Hamas while also reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense, highlighting the delicate political landscape of the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Gaza.
- The general news has been filled with updates on the Gaza conflict, as foreign nations like Germany respond to the ongoing fighting, humanitarian concerns, and political complexities in the region.
