Germany halts arm exports to Israel amid Gaza war escalation

Germany halts arms exports to Israel amid Gaza crisis

Berlin will suspend any shipment of military gear that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Friday as Israel plotted a takeover of Gaza City.

Arms‑export freeze signals a sharp policy reversal

Historically one of Israel’s most vocal allies, Germany has now stepped back from defence deliveries that could influence the escalating conflict.

Why the freeze matters

• Middle‑Eastern cash flow: Germany approved defence exports worth 485 million euros ($565 million) to Israel from October 2023 until May this year.
• Delivery list: firearms, ammunition, weapon parts, electronic equipment and armoured vehicles were included.
• Merz’s statement: “Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice.”

Chancellor’s stated priorities

Merz reiterated that Israel “has the right to defend itself against Hamas’ terror” and that “the release of hostages and negotiations on a ceasefire are our top priorities.”

However he added that the “new military push agreed by the Israeli security cabinet makes it increasingly unclear how these goals are to be achieved.”

Reactions and broader context

• Central Council of Jews: “Disappointing decision; the government should correct course and increase pressure on Hamas.”
• Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil praised the “just decision,” stressing the “humanitarian suffering in Gaza is unbearable.”
• Public broadcaster ARD poll: 66 % of Germans expected the government to exert greater influence over Israel to change its actions in Gaza.
• Germany has avoided major concrete steps that other European states have taken, including the recognition of a Palestinian state and the suspension of the EU‑Israel Association Agreement.

Humanitarian concerns

The UN‑backed assessment warns of “famine unfolding” in Gaza. German Air Force planes joined airdrops of humanitarian aid over the war‑torn territory.

Merz urged Israel to “refrain from taking any further steps toward an annexation of the West Bank” and highlighted the “great responsibility” of the Israeli government to provide aid to Gaza.

Industry reaction to the freeze

The German‑Israeli Society condemned Merz’s move, pointing to a $3.5‑billion deal under which Germany agreed to purchase Israel’s Arrow‑3 anti‑ballistic missile shield. The group warned that “if Israel were to retaliate in arms deliveries to Germany, the future of German aerial defence looks bleak.”