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In a significant policy shift, Germany has announced a halt on all arms exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, following Israel's decision to expand its military operations and potentially capture Gaza City [1][2][3]. Chancellor Friedrich Merz made this announcement in early August 2025, expressing concerns about the intensified fighting and its impact on the civilian population in Gaza [1][3].
The halt covers weapons and military goods that "may be utilized in the Gaza Strip," effectively stopping new export approvals for such equipment [1][2]. However, it's reported that existing defense systems like missile defense and naval equipment exports are not affected by this freeze [2]. It's also worth noting that the freeze may only apply to future contracts and not deliveries from previously approved deals [2].
Merz reaffirmed Germany's support for Israel's right to self-defense and the need to disarm Hamas, but emphasized that Germany cannot supply weapons for a conflict risking many civilian lives [1][3][4]. This decision follows Israel’s expanded military campaign despite some Israeli military leaders opposing the full occupation of Gaza City.
Germany expressed deep concern for the civilian population’s suffering and called for humanitarian access for UN agencies [1][3]. This policy adjustment comes amid growing international criticism of Israel’s Gaza City offensive and increased isolation of Israel within parts of Europe. It marks a notable departure from Germany’s longstanding extensive military support to Israel, rooted in historical responsibility after the Holocaust [1][4][5].
The foreign policy experts of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group are scheduled to meet for a video conference on Sunday to discuss this decision. The CSU parliamentary group leader, Alexander Hoffmann, has criticized the decision as a departure from decades of political continuity towards Israel [6]. However, the Chancellor's Office Minister, Thorsten Frei, has denied allegations of a shift in Germany's Israel policy due to halting certain armament exports [5].
The German Press Agency is reporting on the criticism from the coalition partner CSU and parts of the CDU regarding the armament export ban [7]. Despite the internal criticisms, it's clear that Germany continues to support Israel in its efforts to defend its existence and security.
References: 1. The Guardian 2. Reuters 3. BBC News 4. Deutsche Welle 5. Deutsche Presse-Agentur 6. Spiegel Online 7. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
- The pause in Germany's employment policy on supplying weapons to Israel, particularly those that could be used in the Gaza Strip, is a part of a broader policy-and-legislation focus aimed at managing war-and-conflicts more effectively, considering the potential impact on civilian populations.
- In the context of the escalating situation in the Gaza Strip, Germany's community policy now prioritizes humanitarian access for UN agencies over new arms exports, reflecting a shift in support towards general-news coverage on the plight of civilians in war-and-conflicts zones.
