Proposal requested for safeguarding workers from radiation hazards, specifically ionizing radiation, according to the Commission.
In a significant policy shift, the German government has decided to suspend arms exports to Israel for use in the Gaza Strip "until further notice." This decision was announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz on August 8-9, 2025, following Israel's Security Cabinet approving a plan to reoccupy parts of Gaza, specifically Gaza City.
The decision comes amidst growing concerns over the escalating violence in Gaza. Merz expressed deep concern about the humanitarian consequences and stated that Germany cannot see how an expanded military offensive will help Israel achieve its objectives in the conflict. This move, which halts military export licenses worth hundreds of millions of euros, comes as Germany traditionally stands as one of Israel's closest allies and the second largest weapons supplier after the U.S. [1][2][3]
The suspension of arms exports has sparked debate within Germany, with notable dismay and criticism of this policy shift. Analysts like Ben Cohen from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) consider the suspension a departure from Germany’s historic "special responsibility" toward Israel, implying that Merz's decision could undermine Israel's key alliance within the EU. Others warn that this pivot may weaken Western security cohesion and embolden adversaries such as Hamas and Russia. The criticism also notes that Merz had previously criticized softer arms export policies by a Social Democrat predecessor and suggests the current move may be politically motivated to align with other EU countries more sympathetic to the Palestinian perspective [3][4].
Despite the suspension, Merz reaffirmed Germany's support for Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas terrorism but emphasized the need to focus on hostage release and ceasefire negotiations. He also underscored the responsibility of the Israeli government to ensure humanitarian access for civilians in Gaza [2].
The current stance of the German government is to halt certain arms exports, with Chancellor Merz and Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil leading the decision. Notable figures within the Union, such as Norbert Röttgen, have severely criticized the decision due to recent Israeli government actions. A heated debate is ongoing within the Union, with a video conference of foreign policy experts planned for Sunday [5].
Jürgen Hardt, chairman and foreign policy spokesman of the Union, called the decision "inevitable," while Roderich Kiesewetter, deputy AG chairman, wrote that it was a "serious political and strategic mistake by Germany." The Young Union also criticized the government's decision [6].
In summary, the German government's decision to suspend arms exports to Israel for Gaza operations reflects tensions within Germany about how best to balance support for Israel with concerns over civilian suffering in Gaza. This policy shift is a notable development in the ongoing conflict and will likely continue to generate debate within Germany and the international community.
[1] The Guardian, "Germany suspends arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict," 2025-08-10. [2] Reuters, "Germany halts arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict," 2025-08-09. [3] The Jerusalem Post, "Germany's arms export decision: A departure from historic responsibility?" 2025-08-12. [4] The New York Times, "Germany's Shift on Arms Exports to Israel Sparks Controversy," 2025-08-14. [5] Der Spiegel, "Innenkämpfe in der Union: Wie sich die Regierung über Israel entscheidet," 2025-08-15. [6] Die Welt, "Junge Union kritisiert Regierungsbeschluss über Israel-Waffenexporte," 2025-08-16.
The suspension of arms exports to Israel for Gaza operations by the German government has ignited a heated debate within Germany, with critics viewing this policy shift as a departure from Germany's historic responsibility towards Israel. This move, however, also reflects internal tensions within the government about how best to balance support for Israel with concerns over civilian suffering in Gaza. The ongoing controversy and debate surrounding this decision will likely continue to be a significant topic in both German and general news, as well as in discussions about war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and politics at the international level.
