Proposal sought for directive safeguarding workers from ionizing radiation hazards, according to Commission request.
In a significant policy shift, Germany has suspended arms exports to Israel for use in the Gaza Strip "until further notice", following Israel's decision to take military control of Gaza City, as announced by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on August 8, 2025.
The suspension marks a departure from Germany's historical role as one of Israel's most steadfast allies and a major arms supplier, having exported about 30% of Israel's imported arms before the suspension. The decision was made in response to Israel's Security Cabinet endorsing a strategy to seize Gaza City, aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages held by the group.
Despite reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas terrorism, Chancellor Merz highlighted that intensified military operations in Gaza complicate achieving objectives such as hostages' release and negotiating a ceasefire. Between October 7, 2023, and May 13, 2025, Germany had granted export licenses for military equipment to Israel worth €485 million ($564 million). Since the announcement, no new arms exports for use in Gaza are being approved, sending a clear message to Israeli leadership regarding the expansion of military operations.
Merz also stressed the responsibility of the Israeli government to ensure humanitarian aid access to civilians in Gaza and urged unrestricted access for the UN and NGOs.
The federal government's decision has sparked debate within political circles. The Young Union has also criticized the government's decision, while some members of the Union faction, like Jürgen Hardt, consider it "inevitable." However, others like Roderich Kiesewetter consider it a "serious political and strategic mistake by Germany."
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. On the other hand, Chancellor's Office Minister Thorsten Frei has denied accusations that the federal government is shifting its Israel policy by halting certain arms exports.
CSU parliamentary group leader Alexander Hoffmann has criticized the federal government's decision to halt certain arms exports to Israel as a departure from decades of political continuity towards Israel. The criticism is not limited to the CSU, as Norbert Röttgen, a foreign policy expert, has strongly condemned the federal government's decision, while Carsten Müller, another CDU member, has also criticized it for overlooking the importance of security policy cooperation with Israel.
A video conference of foreign policy experts in the Bundestag faction is planned for Sunday to discuss current foreign policy developments, including the suspension of arms exports to Israel. The spontaneous meeting on a Sunday in the middle of the summer break indicates the sensitivity of the topic. The Chancellor's foreign policy advisor, Günter Sautter, will also be connected in the meeting.
Israel has announced it will expand its military operations in the Gaza Strip, a move that has faced criticism within the country, including from relatives of hostages held by the terrorist organization Hamas. The future of the arms export ban and the ongoing conflict remain uncertain, with both sides seeking a resolution that ensures security and respects humanitarian concerns.
- The suspension of arms exports to Israel for use in Gaza by Germany, in response to Israel's strategic move to seize Gaza City, has stirred debates within political circles, as some political figures view it as a departure from decades of political continuity towards Israel.
- The intensified war-and-conflicts in Gaza between Israel and Hamas have led to a shift in policy-and-legislation, with Germany halting certain arms exports, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian aid access and general-news coverage surrounding the issue.
