Germany will suspend the approval of arms exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Friday, marking the sharpest shift in Berlin’s policy since the start of the Israeli offensive.
“In these circumstances, the federal government will, until further notice, not approve the export of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip,” Merz stated in the government’s announcement. He added that the intensification of Israeli operations in Gaza, approved by the Israeli government overnight, “increasingly hinders” the achievement of goals such as the release of hostages or the disarmament of Hamas.
The decision does not imply a complete arms embargo and leaves the possibility of exporting systems not related to operations in Gaza, such as missile defense or naval equipment.
Germany has for years emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense, and on Friday it again reiterated that “the disarmament of Hamas is necessary.”
Nevertheless, Merz issued sharp criticism of the humanitarian consequences of the Israeli offensive, calling on the authorities to allow “full access for aid deliveries, including those for United Nations (UN) agencies and other non-governmental organizations.”
“The Israeli government now bears greater responsibility than ever for supplying the civilian population,” the chancellor stressed.
Germany is one of Israel’s closest defense partners in Europe. The freeze applies exclusively to new export approvals, while deliveries under previously signed contracts can still be carried out, unless it is assessed that the weapons could be used in Gaza, in which case those shipments may also be halted.
This decision followed growing pressure within Germany to reconsider arms deliveries, amid reports of an increase in the number of civilian casualties and limited access to humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Merz also warned Israel not to take steps “leading to the annexation of the West Bank,” stressing that Berlin is closely monitoring the situation beyond the current war.
