Military exports from Germany to Israel are suspended, potentially affecting their use in Gaza.
In a significant shift in its relationship with Israel, Germany has announced the suspension of all arms exports destined for use in the Gaza Strip. This decision comes in response to Israel's decision to escalate military operations in the region, including plans to take over Gaza City.
Historically, Germany has been one of Israel's main suppliers of military equipment, accounting for approximately 30% of Israel's arms imports between 2019 and 2023. Exports from Germany have included air defense components, ammunition, portable anti-tank weapons, land vehicles, and technology for weapons development and maintenance.
The suspension of arms exports was publicly announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who also called on Israel's government to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Merz's decision has been met with criticism from Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused Merz of rewarding Hamas terrorism by embargoing arms to Israel.
The suspension does not affect exports of missile defense or naval equipment unrelated to the Gaza offensive. However, it could have significant implications for Israel's military procurement and operational capabilities, particularly regarding air defense and land vehicle components supplied by Germany.
The move by Merz marks a remarkable shift in Berlin’s position, given its historically significant diplomatic support for Israel due to Germany's role in the Holocaust. This view, referred to as Staatsräson, has long been upheld by the German government.
The suspension might also lead to a reassessment by Israel of its international relationships, particularly with key European allies such as Germany, which has been a critical defense partner. Furthermore, it could spark political pressures within Germany and the EU concerning arms export policies, especially amid ongoing conflicts where human rights concerns are prominent.
The United Nations and Palestinian health authorities have reported growing civilian casualties and limited access to aid in Gaza. As the situation continues to unfold, the future of Germany's relationship with Israel remains uncertain, with potential implications for both countries' military and diplomatic strategies.
[1] BBC News. (2025). Germany halts arms sales to Israel over Gaza Strip. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-58467664
[2] The Guardian. (2025). Germany halts arms sales to Israel over Gaza Strip. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/01/germany-halts-arms-sales-to-israel-over-gaza-strip
[3] Reuters. (2025). Exclusive: Germany suspends arms exports to Israel over Gaza Strip - sources. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/exclusive-germany-suspends-arms-exports-israel-over-gaza-strip-sources-2025-08-01/
- The suspension of arms exports from Germany to Israel, due to the military operations in the Gaza Strip, could shift the focus of Israel's military procurement and operational strategies.
- The German chancellor's decision to halt arms sales to Israel over ESG (environmental, social, and governance) concerns and humanitarian issues in the Gaza Strip has sparked political debates within Germany and the European Union about arms export policies.
- Amidst growing trends of involving political and humanitarian considerations in credit and investment decisions, the decision to halt arms exports to Israel over war-and-conflicts and general news could influence the broader financial and diplomatic relationships between Germany and Israel.
