The Commission has received input on the proposed budget for the timeframe spanning from the 1st of January to the 31st of December.
In a significant shift in policy, the German federal government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), has announced a suspension of all new arms exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip "until further notice" [1][2][3][4]. This decision comes following Israel's Security Cabinet approval of a plan to take full control of Gaza City.
Merz emphasized that while Germany remains a steadfast supporter of Israel's right to self-defense, it cannot continue to supply weapons that may contribute to civilian casualties amid the intensifying conflict. The suspension marks a departure from Germany's historical role as one of Israel’s closest allies, prompted by concerns about the humanitarian impact of the Israeli military offensive in Gaza [1][3].
The decision has received broad public and political support within Germany. A poll revealed that 83% of Germans approve of halting weapon supplies to Israel that could be used in Gaza, and 62% call for greater political pressure on Israel to end the military campaign [5]. However, the German government has stopped short of endorsing moves like suspending the EU-Israel trade agreement or recognizing Palestine as a state, despite 60% public support for Palestine recognition [5].
Israeli figures have expressed concern over Berlin’s decision, as Germany has been Israel's second-largest arms supplier, delivering €485 million in military equipment between October 2023 and May 2025 [1][2][4]. The freeze comes as Israel faces dwindling war reserves and growing international criticism of its Gaza strategy, including from families of hostages fearing for their loved ones’ safety [1][2][4].
The decision was made jointly by the CDU, CSU, and SPD [6]. Notable figures within these parties, such as Carsten Müller (CDU), Matthias Hauer (CDU Parliamentary State Secretary), Joe Chialo (former Berlin senator for culture, CDU), and former senator for culture, have criticized the decision, considering it a mistake due to its implications for security policy cooperation with Israel [2][3][4][6].
In contrast, Israeli historian Moshe Zimmermann has welcomed the arms export ban [7]. He believes that while the impact on Israel's military capabilities may be minimal, as it is mainly dependent on its own production and that of the Americans, setting a sign is important [7].
This stance reflects a delicate balance between maintaining traditional support for Israel’s security and addressing growing humanitarian and political concerns over the Gaza war. The situation remains fluid, with both parties navigating the complexities of international diplomacy and conflict resolution.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/germany-halt-arms-exports-israel-over-gaza-conflict-2025-08-08/ [2] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-halts-arms-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-conflict/a-61196973 [3] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/08/germany-to-halt-arms-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-conflict [4] https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/europe/2025-08-08/germany-stops-arms-deliveries-to-israel-over-gaza-conflict/ [5] https://www.dw.com/en/poll-83-of-germans-support-halt-to-weapons-exports-to-israel/a-61200644 [6] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/israel-konflikt-cdus-matthias-hauer-kritisiert-halt-an-waffenlieferungen-a-61196981.html [7] https://www.thejc.com/news/world/israeli-historian-welcomes-arms-export-ban-by-germany-1.53103676
War-and-conflicts: The suspension of all new arms exports to Israel by Germany, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, highlights the intensifying conflict in Gaza and concerns about civilian casualties.
Policy-and-legislation: While Germany has halted arms exports to Israel, it has not yet endorsed moves like suspending the EU-Israel trade agreement or recognizing Palestine as a state, despite receiving broad public and political support for such actions within Germany.
