Proposal sought for a worker radiation safety directive, outlining measures to safeguard employees from ionizing radiation hazards.
Germany Imposes Partial Arms Embargo on Israel amid Gaza Crisis
Germany has suspended shipments of certain military equipment to Israel, marking a significant shift in its arms export policy towards the Middle Eastern nation. The decision, which came into effect in early August 2025, is a direct response to the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip and Israel’s planned military operations in Gaza City.
The embargo and export freeze are framed by evolving international legal principles that limit arms sales in active conflict zones. Germany's adherence to these norms, despite political and historical commitments to Israel, reflects the country's growing caution about contributing militarily to the ongoing conflict.
The German Chancellor's decision highlights a broader change in international law and norms restricting arms sales to countries actively engaged in armed conflict. This legal framework now constrains Germany’s ability to continue supporting Israel’s military efforts as before, despite historical ties and past support, including large arms deals worth hundreds of millions of euros since the war started.
The suspension of certain arms exports includes portable anti-tank weapons and ammunition. However, the ban does not affect arms that serve Israel's self-defense, such as air defense and naval defense.
The Union, Germany's centre-right political party, appears to be divided on this issue. While some, like Jürgen Hardt, view the decision as "inevitable," others, such as Roderich Kiesewetter, consider it a "serious political and strategic mistake by Germany."
The parliamentary group leader, Alexander Hoffmann, has criticized the government's decision, joining a chorus of voices within the Union that have spoken out against the move. The Young Union, the youth wing of the party, has also expressed its disapproval.
The federal government's decision has faced criticism from other political figures as well. Norbert Röttgen, an external affairs politician, has strongly condemned the government's decision due to recent decisions by the Israeli government. Matthias Hauer, Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Research, has also criticized the government's decision, considering it a serious mistake and a disastrous signal.
In response to the growing controversy, a video conference of foreign policy experts in the Bundestag faction is planned for Sunday to discuss current foreign policy developments. The Chancellor's foreign policy advisor, Günter Sautter, will be connected to the meeting.
Israel has announced plans to expand its military operation in the Gaza Strip, facing strong opposition within the country. The potential for a high death toll among the population has raised concerns globally, with Germany being at the forefront of countries imposing restrictions on arms exports to the region.
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- The partial arms embargo on Israel by Germany signifies a shift in policy-and-legislation, as it involves the suspension of certain military equipment shipments due to war-and-conflicts in the Gaza Strip.
- General-news sources report a division within Germany's centre-right Union party over the arms embargo on Israel, with some politicians viewing it as necessary and others criticizing it as a serious political and strategic mistake.
