Proposals have already been put forward by the Commission.
In early August 2025, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a significant change in Germany's foreign policy, partially suspending arms exports to Israel, specifically halting the sale of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip [1][2][3][5]. This decision marks a departure from Germany’s traditional, robust backing of Israel, influenced by the Israeli government’s security council plan to expand military control over Gaza City amid the ongoing conflict [1][3].
The Current State of Affairs
Germany will not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza “until further notice,” effectively halting shipments that might support Israeli operations in that area [1][3]. This suspension is a partial one, implying that Germany continues other arms trade with Israel not related to Gaza operations, maintaining its position as Israel’s second-largest arms supplier after the United States [2][5].
The move comes amid rising public and political pressure in Germany due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with images of civilian casualties and starvation influencing Germany’s reassessment of its policy [2].
Political Implications
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed disappointment, calling the arms embargo a “reward” to Hamas terrorism, signaling tension in diplomatic relations [3]. However, Germany frames its decision as a “warning shot” rather than a complete policy reversal, emphasizing concern for civilian suffering and expressing hope for the release of Israeli hostages and movement toward a ceasefire [2][3].
The decision could strain Germany-Israel defense cooperation and political rapport, potentially impacting joint defense projects, such as technology deals involving German and Israeli defense firms [2]. In the broader Middle East context, Germany’s move may signal a more cautious or balanced stance, reflecting the complexities of the conflict and public opinion, possibly encouraging diplomacy or renewed international pressure for ceasefire [2][3].
Reactions Within Germany
The CSU accused Merz of not involving them in the decision, while Dennis Thering, Hamburg's CDU state and parliamentary group leader, criticized the Chancellor's decision as wrong and with poor communication [4]. Stefan Mayer, CSU foreign policy expert, warned that the decision could promote anti-Semitic foundations and efforts in Germany due to the risk of a victim-perpetrator reversal [4].
In summary, Chancellor Merz’s partial halt of arms exports to Israel reflects Germany’s concern over the escalation in Gaza and represents a notable political recalibration with potential lasting effects on bilateral and regional relations.
References
[1], [2], [3], [5] - Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has received backing from the leadership of the Union faction after announcing a partial halt to weapons exports to Israel. - Merz emphasized in ARD "Tagesthemen" that the fundamentals of German Israel policy are unchanged, and they will continue to help Israel defend itself. - Boris Rhein, CDU leader, supports the Federal Government's commitment to humanitarian aid in Gaza but calls for further military support for Israel. - Thering warns that the partial embargo could harm the German-Israeli relationship. - However, Merz's decision to halt weapons deliveries to Israel in a conflict that could claim hundreds of thousands of civilian victims has sparked criticism from some parts of CDU and CSU. - Bilger told broadcasters RTL/ntv that the decision was necessary due to the demand for clarification of Israel's military actions in Gaza within the coalition with the SPD. - Spahn emphasized that the fundamentals of German Israel policy remain unchanged, but the expansion of military operations by Israel to Gaza is a concern. - Jens Spahn, Union faction leader, finds the decision justifiable. - The six-point paper distributed by Merz to the CDU federal executive warns of an escalation of conflicts in Germany due to the decision. - The partial arms export ban announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz may have only minor impacts, as weapons and ammunition used in the Gaza Strip have not been supplied to Israel in the past. - Steffen Bilger (CDU), parliamentary business manager, urges the faction to accept Merz's decision due to the coalition with the SPD.
- The suspension of arms exports to Israel and the potential strain on Germany-Israel defense cooperation could lead to discussions about policy-and-legislation regards military trade in the German parliament.
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts in Gaza and the political implications of Germany's decision to partially halt arms exports have been a major topic in the general-news, influencing public opinion and politics within Germany and beyond.
