Government halts approval of certain weaponry for Israel
In a significant policy shift, Germany has suspended all arms exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip following Chancellor Friedrich Merz's announcement in July 2024 and subsequent events in August 2025 [1][3][4][5]. This decision, made in response to Israel's security cabinet approving an expanded military operation to occupy Gaza City, marks a notable change in Germany's stance towards one of its long-standing allies in Europe [4][5].
The suspension applies only to military equipment that could be used in Gaza, not a total embargo on all arms exports to Israel [1][4][5]. Chancellor Merz stated that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas but indicated that the intensified military action in Gaza complicates achieving the goal of hostage release and peace negotiations, which are Germany's top priorities [1][4][5].
Germany, one of Israel’s major arms suppliers, second only to the United States, with exports valued at around $380 million in 2023, has publicly committed not to approve equipment usable in Gaza for the foreseeable future [2]. This decision potentially impacts Israel’s military capabilities in Gaza substantially.
Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed disappointment over the decision, arguing it "rewards Hamas terrorism" and does not contribute to the release of hostages or peace efforts [5][2]. However, Germany emphasizes the necessity of humanitarian access to Gaza and cautions against steps escalating the conflict or annexing Palestinian territories [4][5].
Other European countries, including the Netherlands, UK, and Spain, have similarly imposed partial restrictions or halted some arms exports linked to the conflict [2]. The question of arms exports to Israel touches on Germany's status in the world, and the SPD also calls for further sanctions to be considered.
This move by Germany comes after Nicaragua brought a case against Germany before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in November 2023, accusing Germany of contributing to a "genocide" in Gaza through arms deliveries [3]. Previously, the federal government defended itself against such accusations by pointing out that arms export permits had decreased [2].
The value of Germany's expressed solidarity with Israel is being questioned due to its denial of crucial aid in its dire situation, as highlighted by opposition leader Merz in October 2024, who spoke of a "more intense military operation by the Israeli army" [2]. The federal government remains "deeply concerned about the ongoing suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip" [2].
It is unclear whether the current announcement represents a real change in practice, but the German government evaluates export licenses on a case-by-case basis [2]. In November 2023, Germany acquired the Arrow 3 missile defense system from Israel through a contract worth several billion euros [2]. Germany not only supplies weapons to Israel but also receives military equipment from it.
References:
[1] Deutsche Welle (2024). Germany suspends arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-suspends-arms-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-conflict/a-62647838
[2] Reuters (2024). Germany suspends arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/germany-suspends-arms-exports-israel-over-gaza-conflict-2024-07-01/
[3] CNN (2023). Nicaragua accuses Germany of genocide over arms deliveries to Israel. [online] Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/15/politics/nicaragua-accuses-germany-genocide-israel/index.html
[4] The Guardian (2024). Germany suspends arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jul/01/germany-suspends-arms-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-conflict
[5] BBC News (2025). Israel's Gaza operation: Germany suspends arms exports. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-61143857
The suspension of arms exports by Germany to Israel, over potential use in war-and-conflicts in Gaza, signals a significant shift in policy-and-legislation and politics with regards to their relationship with one of Europe's long-standing allies [1][3][4][5]. Other European countries, such as the Netherlands, UK, and Spain, have also imposed partial restrictions or halted some arms exports linked to the conflict [2]. This move, sparked by the question of arms exports to Israel, touches on Germany's status in the world, and the SPD calls for further sanctions to be considered.
