DayofPal– New data from the German Bundestag reveals that the German government approved weapons exports to Israel worth over €485 million since the beginning of Israel’s war in Gaza in October 2023.
In response to a parliamentary inquiry by the Left Party, the government confirmed that between October 7, 2023, and May 13, 2025, it granted individual licenses for the export of military goods to Israel totaling €485,103,796.
The approved exports span 21 different weapons categories and include firearms, ammunition, military electronics, naval equipment, armored vehicles, and weapon components—indicating the breadth of Germany’s defense support to Israel.
This disclosure comes amid growing international condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which various United Nations bodies, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and human rights organizations have described as potential war crimes and acts of genocide.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in relation to the ongoing war.
Following the collapse of a temporary ceasefire in March 2025, Israel has escalated its military operations in Gaza. Reports suggest that up to 80% of those killed are women and children, with Israeli officials reportedly threatening “total devastation” of the territory.
The blockade of humanitarian aid and the collapse of Gaza’s infrastructure have further exacerbated the crisis.
In its response to the inquiry, the German government defended its export approval process, stating that each license undergoes rigorous scrutiny under German and EU arms export laws, the Arms Trade Treaty, and humanitarian risk assessments.
Berlin argued that its procedures align with international legal obligations and cited the ICJ’s recent decision in the Nicaragua v. Germany case, in which the court declined to impose emergency restrictions on German arms exports, while recognizing Germany’s individual case-by-case review system.
However, critics argue that Germany cannot absolve itself of responsibility for how its weapons are used once exported. Calls for greater transparency were met with government refusals to disclose monthly shipment details or the names of weapons manufacturers, citing national security concerns.
The Left Party also questioned whether Germany would enforce ICC arrest warrants if Netanyahu or Gallant entered the country. The government did not issue a direct response but referred to prior statements regarding its legal obligations under international law.
Rights groups and opposition politicians are intensifying demands for Berlin to suspend military exports to Israel and ensure accountability for any complicity in alleged war crimes.
Germany remains the second-largest arms supplier to Israel, a position that is drawing increasing scrutiny both domestically and abroad.
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