Israeli weapons acquisitions face temporary hindrance due to Merz administration's partial arms export suspension. - The Merz administration plans to partially halt weapons shipments to Israel.
In a significant policy shift, Germany has suspended arms exports to Israel specifically for use in the Gaza Strip, following Israel’s Security Cabinet plan to take military control of Gaza City. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on August 8, 2025, that Berlin will not authorize any weapons exports capable of being deployed in Gaza "until further notice" due to the intensified military operations and humanitarian concerns.
This decision comes amidst growing international concern over the situation in Gaza. The Israeli Security Council's decision to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, disarm Hamas, and demilitarize the coastal strip under a new government without Palestinian involvement has been met with condemnation. UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the plan "wrong" and urged a diplomatic solution, highlighting the need for both parties to avoid further destruction.
Chancellor Merz reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas but emphasized the growing difficulty in achieving the goals of hostage release and ceasefire amid escalating military actions. He urged the Israeli government to ensure unrestricted humanitarian aid access via UN agencies and NGOs.
The civilian population in Gaza is to be supplied with humanitarian aid outside the combat zones, according to the decision of the Israeli Security Council. However, concerns have been raised about the safety of hostages and the accessibility of aid due to the intensified military operations.
A majority in Israel, as well as relatives of hostages, are calling for an immediate end to the war, according to Ahmetovic. He stated that Israel's military operation in Gaza is linked to the displacement and starvation of the Palestinian population. The SPD's foreign policy spokesman, Adis Ahmetovic, has demanded further steps beyond halting weapons deliveries to Israel, including a possible suspension of the EU association agreement or medical evacuations for severely injured Palestinian children.
The Israeli plan aims to dismantle Hamas, demilitarize Gaza, secure control, and install an alternative governing authority not led by Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. This marks a significant change in the political landscape of Gaza and raises questions about the future of the region.
Regarding the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the search results do not specify their latest public stance on this issue. However, given the SPD’s generally cautious and human rights-conscious approach in foreign policy, it is plausible they may support restrictive arms export policies in the context of heightened conflict and civilian risk, but this would need confirmation beyond the current search data.
In addition, Adis Ahmetovic, the SPD politician, has stated that sanctions against Israeli ministers should no longer be a taboo. This suggests that the SPD may be pushing for stronger actions against Israel in response to the ongoing conflict.
The article is updated continuously, and further developments in this complex situation will be reported as they unfold.
- The Social Democratic Party (SPD), known for their cautious and human rights-conscious approach in foreign policy, might support restrictive arms export policies given the escalating conflict and humanitarian concerns in the Gaza Strip.
- Beyond the halting of weapons deliveries, SPD politician Adis Ahmetovic has proposed further measures such as a possible suspension of the EU association agreement or medical evacuations for severely injured Palestinian children, indicating a push for stronger actions against Israel.
