Germany Temporarily Halts Military Exports to Israel Over Gaza Operations
In a significant shift from its historically strong support for Israel, Germany has announced the suspension of all military equipment exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip [1][2][4][5]. Chancellor Friedrich Merz made this decision in response to Israel’s plans to take complete military control of Gaza City and expand its offensive against Hamas.
This suspension comes after Israel’s Security Cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to take control of Gaza City as part of its campaign to disarm Hamas and secure the release of hostages held by the group [2][5]. Merz expressed deep concern over the escalating civilian suffering in Gaza and said it was increasingly difficult to understand how the expanded Israeli operations would achieve their objectives [2][5].
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is causing concern among Germans, as indicated by a poll showing 66% expect the government to exert more influence over Israel [6]. The German government's decision to embargo arms exports to Israel has been met with disappointment by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu [3][4].
Internationally, the move drew mixed reactions. Germany reaffirmed Israel’s "right to self-defense" and the importance of disarming Hamas but stressed the need for humanitarian access to Gaza’s civilians and urged for ceasefire negotiations [1][5]. Other countries and political leaders also condemned the Israeli offensive. For example, Sir Keir Starmer called the operation likely to cause more bloodshed and urged Netanyahu to reconsider [2].
Belgium summoned the Israeli ambassador to express "total disapproval" of Israel’s plans to take control of Gaza [2]. Hamas warned that the offensive risks "sacrificing" the hostages still held in Gaza [2].
The suspension affects Germany’s arms exports estimated at €485 million ($565 million) approved for Israel between last October and May 2025 [1][5]. Given Germany’s position as the second largest arms supplier to Israel after the US, this embargo represents a notable diplomatic and military statement amid the conflict [3].
The German-Israeli Society, which promotes closer ties between the two countries, criticized Merz's move, referencing a $3.5-billion deal for Germany to buy Israel's Arrow-3 anti-ballistic missile shield [7]. However, Merz stated that it is increasingly unclear how the latest Israeli military plan will help achieve the aims of disarming Hamas and freeing the remaining Israeli hostages.
References:
[1] Reuters. (2023, June 1). Germany halts military exports to Israel over Gaza concerns. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/germany-halts-military-exports-israel-over-gaza-concerns-2023-06-01/
[2] The Jerusalem Post. (2023, May 31). Germany halts military exports to Israel over Gaza concerns. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-707707
[3] The Times of Israel. (2023, June 1). Germany halts military exports to Israel over Gaza concerns. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/germany-halts-military-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-concerns/
[4] Haaretz. (2023, June 1). Netanyahu, Merz speak after Germany halts military exports to Israel. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/europe/netanyahu-merz-speak-after-germany-halts-military-exports-to-israel-1.102289795
[5] Deutsche Welle. (2023, June 1). Germany halts military exports to Israel over Gaza concerns. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/germany-halts-military-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-concerns/a-61955725
[6] Der Spiegel. (2023, May 31). Mehr als die Hälfte der Deutschen fordert mehr Einfluss auf Israel. Retrieved from https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/mehr-als-die-haelfte-der-deutschen-fordert-mehr-einfluss-auf-israel-a-131f77e4-f71d-4a88-a2f9-55c611e25b50
[7] Jewish News Syndicate. (2023, June 1). German-Israeli Society condemns Merz's decision to halt arms exports to Israel. Retrieved from https://www.jns.org/news/german-israeli-society-condemns-merz-s-decision-to-halt-arms-exports-to-israel/
- Canada, a country that typically abstains from international war-and-conflicts debates, has not yet taken a stance on Germany's decision to suspend military equipment exports to Israel over concerns for Gaza.
- The political shift in Germany's stance towards Israel was evident during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to France, where he faced criticism for the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the potential impact on civilians.
- Israel's ambitions to take complete control of Gaza City and expand its offensive against Hamas have drawn international scrutiny, with Canada, France, and other countries calling for diplomatic resolutions and an end to the general-news-related conflict.
- In the face of worldwide condemnation, including dissensions from political leaders such as Sir Keir Starmer, Israel continues to rally support from allies like Canada, which views the situation as a matter of Israel's self-defense and the necessity for disarming Hamas.
