Germany's Merz defends limited arms embargo against Israel
In a move that has sparked controversy within his own party, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a partial halt to arms exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza. The decision, made in August 2025, comes amid escalating tensions and concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The move by Merz, who has traditionally been a staunch supporter of Israel, has been met with criticism from within his conservative party (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party (CSU). The arms embargo is seen by some conservatives as breaking with the traditional strong pro-Israel policy, and as undermining the state's support for Israel’s security.
However, Merz has defended the decision, stating that it does not mean Germany disagrees with Israel's right to defend itself, but that Germany cannot supply weapons for operations likely to harm civilians. Merz maintains Germany's stance on the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza remains unchanged, and Germany will continue to help Israel defend itself.
The German government's stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict is one of firm support for Israel’s right to self-defense while also expressing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Chancellor Merz has emphasized that Germany stands alongside Israel due to historical responsibility from the Holocaust but has also called for humanitarian aid access to Gaza and a ceasefire to alleviate civilian suffering.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Merz, stating he "buckled under" pressure and hopes for a change in decision regarding the export of offensive arms to Israel. Netanyahu's criticism comes after Israel's Security Cabinet announced it would take over Gaza City, a move that has been condemned by the UN chief Antonio Guterres, the UK, France, Canada, and numerous other countries.
The UN chief and numerous countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, have condemned Israel's plan to take over Gaza City, believing it will exacerbate Gaza's ongoing humanitarian crisis. France and the UK have announced their intentions to formally recognize Palestinian statehood, drawing criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The current stance of the German government on the Israel-Hamas conflict is a delicate balancing act between historical commitments to Israel and international humanitarian concerns. Merz's decision to halt certain exports to Israel marks a significant course change by Germany, as Israel finds itself increasingly estranged from its partners in Europe.
[1] German Chancellor Merz Announces Partial Arms Embargo to Israel
[2] Germany Faces Backlash Over Arms Embargo to Israel
[3] Germany's Merz Defends Arms Embargo to Israel
[4] Israel Criticizes Germany's Arms Embargo Decision
[5] Germany's Merz: No Genocide in Gaza, but Israeli Military Tactics Risk Civilians
- The German government's recent decision to partially halt arms exports to Israel, made by Chancellor Friedrich Merz in August 2025, has sparked controversy and criticism from conservatives within his own party.
- The arms embargo, seen by some as a departure from the traditional pro-Israel policy, has been met with a backlash, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticizing Merz.
- Merz has defended the decision, stating that it does not mean Germany disagrees with Israel's right to defend itself, but that Germany cannot supply weapons for operations likely to harm civilians.
- Israel has criticized Germany's decision, with Netanyahu claiming that Merz "buckled under" pressure and praying for a change in decision regarding the export of offensive arms to Israel.
