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In a significant policy shift, the German federal government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has decided to halt arms exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip "until further notice." This decision comes in response to Israel’s intensified military operations aimed at taking control of Gaza City during the ongoing Gaza war.
The move marks a departure from Germany's previous stance as a staunch supporter and Israel’s second-largest arms supplier. Since the conflict began in October 2023, Germany had approved weapons deliveries worth €485 million ($564 million).
Chancellor Merz justified the halt as a response to the Israeli cabinet's authorization of "even tougher military action" in Gaza, expressing concern for the civilian suffering in the Gaza Strip and urging Israel not to proceed with annexation plans in the West Bank. Despite suspending arms deliveries that could be used in Gaza, Merz emphasized that Germany still supports Israel's right to self-defense and intends to continue helping Israel defend itself.
The decision has sparked debate within the German political landscape. Some Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have urged Merz to reconsider, reflecting Israel’s concern over potential impacts on its military capabilities and strategic position.
The partial ban is seen as a symbolic expression of Germany’s discomfort with the humanitarian consequences of Israel’s expanded military operations in Gaza, particularly the move to seize Gaza City, which has been condemned internationally for worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Analysts suggest that this will not significantly damage Germany-Israel defense relations overall, as core weapons trade outside Gaza-related supplies remains largely unaffected.
The halt also signals a broader shift in European diplomatic postures, with other countries like France and the UK taking steps toward recognizing Palestinian statehood, indicating growing European unease with Israel’s current military tactics and political ambitions.
The German government's decision to stop arms supplies to Israel for use in Gaza represents a notable adjustment in support due to concerns over the scale of Israeli military operations and civilian suffering. The German government balances continued backing of Israel's right to self-defense with calls for restraint and humanitarian protection, reflecting evolving dynamics in Germany-Israel relations and broader European responses to the Gaza conflict.
Notable reactions to the decision include Israeli historian Moshe Zimmermann, who welcomed the arms export ban, stating it is long overdue and sets a significant sign, even if it may have minimal effect on Israel's military operations. However, the decision has faced opposition within Israel, including from relatives of hostages held by the terrorist organization Hamas.
Critics within Germany, such as Joe Chialo, the former Berlin Senator for Culture, and Matthias Hauer, the Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Research, have condemned the decision as morally and politically presumptuous. CDU Bundestag member Carsten Müller strongly condemned the decision of the federal government.
Despite the controversy, Thomas Röwekamp, the chairman of the Defense Committee in the Bundestag, stated that the decision was made jointly by the German federal government. The decision does not represent a break with previous tradition and does not restrict unrestricted solidarity with Israel, according to Röwekamp.
In response to Israel's plans to expand its military operation in the Gaza Strip, including the capture of the city of Gaza, the German federal government implemented measures against its partner and changed course, prohibiting the export of arms that could be used in the war.
A video meeting of the working group on foreign policy of the Union faction is scheduled for Sunday to discuss the implications of this decision further.
The German federal government's decision to stop arms supplies to Israel for use in Gaza signals a shift in support due to concerns over the scale of Israeli military operations and civilian suffering. This policy change has sparked debate among German and Israeli leaders, with some expressing concern over potential impacts on military capabilities and others supporting the call for humanitarian protection.
Analysts suggest that this decision, along with similar moves by France and the UK, represents a broader shift in European diplomatic postures towards recognizing Palestinian statehood and expressing unease with Israel’s current military tactics and political ambitions.
