Proposals have already been put forth by the Commission.
In a significant move, the German government has decided to halt all military exports to Israel that could be used in the ongoing Gaza conflict. This decision, announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz on August 8, 2025, follows Israel's approval of a military operation to seize control of Gaza City and occupy the Gaza Strip [1][3].
The German government has stated that it will not authorize any military equipment exports capable of being used in Gaza "until further notice" due to concerns about the humanitarian impact and the risk of civilian casualties [1][3]. Chancellor Merz emphasized that Germany remains committed to supporting Israel's right to defend itself, but cannot supply weapons for a conflict likely to cause "hundreds of thousands of civilian lives," and where the evacuation of the entire Gaza City is a prerequisite with unclear alternatives for displaced people [2].
This decision reflects a tension between Germany's historic "special responsibility" to Israel (a legacy of the Holocaust) and the growing international criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza [3]. A poll cited indicates that 66% of Germans support increased pressure on Israel in Gaza, while only 31% believe Germany has a special responsibility toward Israel [2].
However, some analysts warn that Germany's arms embargo could undermine Israel's security and embolden Hamas by decreasing international support for Israel's military measures [3]. Dennis Thering, CDU state and faction leader, criticizes the Chancellor's decision, expressing concerns about the potential impact on German-Israeli relations [1].
Steffen Bilger, parliamentary business manager, urges the faction to accept Merz's decision, citing the coalition peace with the SPD. Bilger also states that the federal government is working to ensure the German-Israeli relationship remains intact and that Germany can resume deliveries as soon as possible [1].
CDU Leader Boris Rhein of Hesse advocates for further military support for Israel, while Jens Spahn, the Union faction chief, has backed Merz after announcing a partial halt to weapons exports to Israel. Spahn states that the decision to temporarily suspend weapon deliveries is understandable due to the threat Israel's actions in Gaza pose to the civilian population [1].
Despite the mixed reactions, it is clear that the German government is attempting to balance its historic support for Israel with concerns over civilian casualties and international legal norms. This decision has sparked debate within Germany politically and publicly, with significant support for pressuring Israel but also concerns over the impact on bilateral relations and Israel’s security [1][2][3].
References: [1] Deutsche Welle (2025). Germany halts arms exports to Israel amid Gaza conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-halts-arms-exports-to-israel-amid-gaza-conflict/a-61088094 [2] The Guardian (2025). Majority of Germans support increased pressure on Israel in Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/09/majority-of-germans-support-increased-pressure-on-israel-in-gaza [3] Reuters (2025). German arms embargo on Israel could undermine Israel's security, analysts warn. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-arms-embargo-israel-could-undermine-israels-security-analysts-warn-2025-08-09/
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