Israeli arms exports faced partial suspension under the Merz administration - The Merz administration plans to limit weapon sales to Israel.
In a significant shift in policy, Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced a partial halt of arms exports to Israel specifically for use in the Gaza Strip[1][2]. This decision comes in response to Israel's plan to seize Gaza City during the ongoing conflict.
In a press release, Chancellor Merz expressed concern about the ongoing suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip and urged the Israeli government to ensure humanitarian access to civilians through the United Nations and NGOs[1]. He also emphasized the need for aid deliveries to the region.
The Israeli Security Cabinet's endorsement of intensified military operations in Gaza has given the German government less reason to believe in achieving its goals, which include the release of hostages and negotiations towards a ceasefire[1]. However, Chancellor Merz reiterated Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas terrorism.
The arms freeze is partial and targeted only at arms that could be used in Gaza, not a complete embargo on arms exports to Israel. This decision has generated some political backlash within Germany[3][4].
Despite the partial halt, the German federal government's stance on the disarmament of Hamas remains unchanged[1]. Chancellor Merz has deemed the disarmament of Hamas indispensable.
The Israeli government's planned offensive increases its responsibility towards the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, according to Chancellor Merz. He urged the Israeli government to ensure comprehensive access for aid deliveries in the Gaza Strip.
The press release from Chancellor Friedrich Merz also emphasizes the release of hostages and negotiations towards a ceasefire as top priorities for the German government.
Since the partial halt by the German federal government, no new approvals for weapons exports to the Gaza Strip have been given[1]. The Israeli government is responsible for ensuring access for UN organizations and other non-state institutions in the Gaza Strip.
[1] The Local: Germany halts arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict, 2022. [2] Reuters: Germany suspends arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict, 2022. [3] Deutsche Welle: Germany halts arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict, 2022. [4] The Jerusalem Post: Germany halts arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict, 2022.
- Amidst rising concerns about war-and-conflicts and general-news, Germany's Community policy regarding employment of arms exports has been amended, partially halting the supply of arms to Israel for use in the Gaza Strip, due to the ongoing conflict and the Israeli government's plan to seize Gaza City.
- In the light of politics and current affairs, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, under the broader umbrella of the German government's employment policy, insists on comprehensive access for aid deliveries to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, stressing the need for humanitarian intervention and the disarmament of Hamas, a key aspect in the government's general-news and community policy.
