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By John Feng and Amanda Castro
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Germany will suspend all arms exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Friday.
Newsweek has reached out to the Israeli Embassy in Germany via email.
Why It Matters
Germany's suspension of arms exports to Israel marked a significant development in European-Israeli relations and international debate over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As one of Israel's principal allies, Germany's decision highlighted rising global concerns about the humanitarian impact of Israel's intensified military actions in the region and signaled possible shifts in Western policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The move underscored the growing divide among international stakeholders regarding military escalation and how Israel aims to achieve its stated security objectives in Gaza.
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What To Know
Merz announced that the federal government would immediately halt the approval of any arms exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip. The announcement came in direct response to a late-night decision by Israel's political-security Cabinet to move forward with a plan to take control of Gaza City as part of a broader operation to eradicate Hamas from the enclave.
"Israel has the right to defend itself against the terror of Hamas," Merz said. "The release of the hostages and determined negotiations on a ceasefire are our top priority. The disarmament of Hamas is essential. Hamas must not play a role in the future of Gaza."
However, Merz expressed doubts over Israel's latest military strategy, saying that it was "increasingly difficult to see how these goals can be achieved" through the intensified campaign. He added that "under these circumstances, the German government will not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice."
Germany, which granted export licenses for military equipment to Israel worth 485 million euros ($564 million) between October 2023 and May 2025, had been one of Israel's largest arms suppliers in Europe.
What People Are Saying
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in a statement on developments in Gaza: "Israel has the right to defend itself against the terror of Hamas. The release of the hostages and determined negotiations on a ceasefire are our top priority. The disarmament of Hamas is essential. Hamas must not play a role in the future of Gaza.
"From the German government's point of view, the even tougher military action of the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, which was decided by the Israeli security cabinet last night, makes it increasingly difficult to see how these goals are to be achieved. Under these circumstances, the German government is not approving any exports of armaments that can be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice.
"The German Government remains deeply concerned about the continuing suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. With the planned offensive, the Israeli government bears even greater responsibility than before for their supply. It must provide comprehensive access for aid deliveries, including for UN organisations and other non-governmental institutions. After taking the right steps in recent days, Israel must continue to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza comprehensively and sustainably.
"In addition, the German government urges the Israeli government not to take any further steps towards annexing the West Bank."
What Happens Next
Germany's suspension of military exports is likely to increase pressure on Israel from European partners and humanitarian organizations to reconsider the scale and scope of its Gaza operations. The move could inspire similar debates or policy shifts in other allied countries supplying Israel with military aid.
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