Israel's arms imports from Germany are temporarily blocked due to potential utilization in Gaza conflict
In a significant policy shift, Germany has suspended arms exports to Israel for use in the Gaza Strip, following mounting pressure from the public and Germany's junior coalition partner over the humanitarian crisis in the region. This marks the first time united Germany has acknowledged denying military support to its long-time ally.
The decision comes in response to Israel's plan to take military control of Gaza City, a move seen as an escalation of the conflict. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz explained that the intensified Israeli military operations in Gaza, especially the upcoming offensive in Gaza City, make it increasingly difficult to support arms exports for use there "until further notice."
Merz stressed that Germany still recognizes Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas terrorism but highlighted concerns about the humanitarian impact and the need for unrestricted access to aid for civilians in Gaza. The decision was triggered by concerns that Israel's planned military actions might worsen the humanitarian situation and complicate achieving security and humanitarian objectives.
Israel has severely restricted supplies of food and water in Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. In the months after the Hamas attack, Germany increased its arms exports to Israel roughly tenfold. Between October 7, 2023, and May 13, 2025, export licences for 485 million euros ($564 million) of military equipment for Israel were granted by Germany, with Germany being Israel's second biggest weapons supplier after the US, providing 30% of Israel's major arms imports in 2019-2023, primarily naval equipment including Sa'ar 6-class frigates.
The vice chancellor and finance minister, Lars Klingbeil, stated that the decision is the right one in light of the unbearable humanitarian suffering in Gaza. Meron Mendel, the director of the Anne Frank Education Centre in Frankfurt, stated that Germany's decision is a "hard blow" for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his policies.
However, Merz stated that the Israeli decision "makes it increasingly difficult to see how these goals can be achieved." The military has warned that such a move could jeopardise the lives of surviving hostages. Far-right members of Netanyahu's coalition have been pushing for a total takeover of Gaza, but no immediate response was given by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office or the Israeli foreign and defence ministries to Germany's decision.
Merz urged the Israeli government not to take any further steps towards annexing parts of the West Bank. Human rights groups launched legal challenges, saying the weapons could be used in the Gaza war, but none has succeeded so far. An opinion poll in June indicated that 73% of Germans want tighter controls on arms exports, including 30% who favored a total ban.
As the situation in Gaza continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how Germany's decision will impact the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian crisis.
- The escalating war-and-conflicts in Gaza, particularly the Israeli plans for military control of Gaza City, have led to policy-and-legislation changes, as Germany has suspended its arms exports to Israel for use in the region.
- The German decision to halt arms exports follows general-news reporting on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with concerns about the impact of Israeli military actions on civilians and the need for unhindered humanitarian aid.
