Israel faces pressure as Berlin halts specific arms sales
In a significant shift from its historically strong support for Israel, Germany's federal government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has announced a halt on weapons exports to Israel "until further notice" for arms that may be used in the Gaza Strip. This decision comes in response to Israel’s Security Cabinet decision to militarily occupy Gaza City amid the ongoing conflict.
Merz reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas terrorism while expressing deep concern about the ongoing suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that the escalation of Israeli military operations in Gaza makes it unclear how the federal government's goals, which include the release of hostages and negotiations on a ceasefire, can be achieved.
The German government urges the Israeli government to permit unrestricted deliveries by UN agencies and NGOs to ensure humanitarian aid access for civilians in Gaza. This policy change represents a departure from earlier approvals spanning late 2023 to mid-2025, when Germany had granted export licenses worth €485 million (~$565 million) for military equipment to Israel.
The current arms export freeze specifically targets weapons that could be utilized in Gaza, rather than a total embargo on all military exports to Israel. This decision has sparked internal party debate and some backlash within Germany, reflecting tensions between maintaining traditional support for Israel and responding to the humanitarian and political complexities of the Gaza conflict.
Deputy Chancellor Lars Klingbeil supports the decision to restrict military aid to Israel, stating that full solidarity is with the state of Israel, but what is wrong must be called out. He emphasized the need for Israel to ensure comprehensive access for humanitarian aid, including for UN organizations and other non-state institutions.
Chancellor Merz has made it clear that Hamas must be disarmed and should not play a role in Gaza in the future. The federal government has sharply criticized Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip in recent weeks, increasing pressure on Israel following its decision to take the city of Gaza.
Sources:
[1] "Germany halts arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict." BBC News, 15 May 2025. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57734264
[2] "Germany halts arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict." Deutsche Welle, 15 May 2025. https://www.dw.com/en/germany-halts-arms-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-conflict/a-58662101
[3] "Germany halts arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict." The Guardian, 15 May 2025. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/15/germany-halts-arms-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-conflict
[4] "Germany halts arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict." The New York Times, 15 May 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/15/world/middleeast/germany-halts-arms-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-conflict.html
- The recent policy change in Germany, as reported by multiple news outlets, such as BBC News, Deutsche Welle, The Guardian, and The New York Times, involves a halt on weapons exports to Israel related to the ongoing war-and-conflicts in the Gaza Strip.
- Amidst the politics surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there's been increased discussion on policy-and-legislation, as evident in the German government's decision to halt arms exports, with focus on general-news outlets like the ones mentioned above.
