Israel's truce proposed by Merz met with division within the Union
In a recent development, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has announced a partial suspension of arms exports to Israel, citing concerns over civilian casualties and the need to avoid fueling a military-only resolution in the ongoing Gaza conflict [1][2].
This decision, made on August 8, 2025, follows Israel's announced plans to occupy Gaza and has caused a ripple effect among Germany's political parties, with reactions ranging from support to criticism.
Within the CDU/CSU, the conservative bloc that Merz leads, the response is divided. While Chancellor Merz defends the partial arms embargo, restricting exports of offensive weapons that could be used in Israel's Gaza conflict, some members such as Carsten Müller and CSU representatives strongly oppose the suspension, emphasizing the importance of security cooperation with Israel for both German and NATO interests [1][2]. On the other hand, CDU foreign policy expert Norbert Röttgen supports Merz's cautious approach as necessary given recent Israeli government actions.
The Social Democrats (SPD), coalition partners of the conservatives, largely support the partial arms export halt [1]. The SPD Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil defends the federal government's approach and calls for humanitarian aid in Gaza, while Lea Reisner from the opposition party The Left demands that the federal government suspend the EU Association Agreement, recognize Palestine, and implement the measures of the International Court of Justice's opinion.
The Israeli Government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, opposes the suspension and calls for its reversal, accusing Germany of rewarding the Islamic Hamas with its decision [1]. The partial halt has also provoked backlash within Merz’s conservative camp and raised concerns about its impact on Germany-Israel defense relations.
However, experts suggest that core weapons trade and long-standing defense ties remain mostly intact despite the partial embargo [4][5]. For the Green Party's State Minister Franziska Brantner, the arms embargo is only a first step, and Germany should "push for a political process, exert serious pressure for an end to the war and the humanitarian catastrophe, the release of hostages, and a political perspective."
In terms of impact on the Middle East conflict, Merz argues the pause aims to avoid supplying arms that escalate civilian harm, implying a desire to encourage diplomatic rather than purely military conflict resolution [2]. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, however, criticized the move as succumbing to media pressure and misleading narratives.
The current stance of German political parties on the partial suspension of arms exports to Israel is as follows:
| Party/Group | Stance on Partial Arms Export Suspension | |---------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | CDU/CSU (Merkz’s faction) | Mixed: Merz supports suspension; some members oppose it | | SPD (Coalition partner) | Largely supportive of Merz’s decision | | Israeli Government | Opposes suspension, calls for reversal | | Defense experts | Say core defense ties remain, partial ban unlikely to dent relations |
The arms export pause signals Germany’s nuanced balancing act between historical support for Israel and new diplomatic pressures to limit military involvement in the Gaza conflict [1][2][4][5]. The unfolding situation underscores the complexities of international politics and the delicate dance between maintaining strategic alliances and upholding humanitarian values.
The policy-and-legislation debate within Germany's political parties over the partial suspension of arms exports to Israel, initiated by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is a reflection of the complexities in war-and-conflicts resolution. The liberal Green Party's State Minister, Franziska Brantner, advocates for the suspension as a means to push for a political process and end the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, while defense experts suggest that the pause will not significantly impact Germany-Israel defense relations. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the suspension, viewing it as a concession to media pressure and misleading narratives.
