Half a Billion Euros in Arms Exports to Israel Since Hamas Attacks: Germany's Controversial Move
Increased sales of military equipment from Germany to Israel
In the aftermath of the 2023 Hamas massacre, Germany has given the green light for arms exports to Israel amounting to nearly half a billion euros. These weapons and military equipment deliveries, worth 485.1 million euros, have been planned from October 7, 2023, to May 13, 2025[1]. The Federal Ministry of Economics disclosed this information in response to a Left Party inquiry.
The question of whether Germany should keep supplying weapons that Israel could potentially use in the Gaza Strip has been raised, with Foreign Minister Wadephul initiating an examination over potential violations of international humanitarian law[2]. If the analysis concludes that actions in the Gaza Strip are breaching these laws, arms deliveries could be halted[2].
Legal Battle at The Hague
Discussions concerning German arms deliveries to Israel have been ongoing since a lawsuit was filed at the International Court of Justice in The Hague by Nicaragua, alleging Germany's complicity in genocide due to its arms exports[3]. Although judges rejected an urgent application to halt the deliveries in late April 2024, they left the lawsuit pending[3].
The Left Party's defense politician has urged an immediate stop to arms deliveries to Israel, asserting potential complicity in war crimes[3]. Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali-Radovan, has stressed the need for Germany, because of its historical responsibility, to exert more pressure on Israel, given the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the region[3].
According to a survey by the polling institute Insa on behalf of Avaaz, 58% of Germans show support for a suspension of arms deliveries to Israel in light of the Gaza war[4].
[1] Federal Ministry of Economics response to Left Party inquiry[2] "Süddeutsche Zeitung" interview with Foreign Minister Wadephul[3] ntv.de[4] Insa poll on Avaaz's behalf
Enrichment Insights:- Germany has a historical responsibility due to its past actions, which it should take into account when dealing with Israel.- The humanitarian situation in Gaza is critical, and many believe Germany should act accordingly by stopping arms deliveries to Israel.- International criticism and diplomatic tensions have been increasing, as seen with the UK freezing trade talks and suspending some arms export licenses to Israel.
The Commission, in the midst of this political and general-news landscape, has also been consulted on the draft budget for the period 2000-06, given the ongoing debates about Germany's arms exports to Israel and their potential implications in light of international crime-and-justice matters. The growing concern over potential war crimes and complicity in genocide due to these arms exports, as raised by the Left Party and Nicaragua's lawsuit at the International Court of Justice, underscores the need for rigorous budgetary discussions and strategic policy-making in this context.
