DayofPal– Germany has announced the suspension of arms exports that could be used in Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip, citing deepening humanitarian concerns and growing domestic pressure.
The historical decision, revealed on Friday by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, marks the first time that reunified Germany has publicly acknowledged halting military support to Israel, a long-time ally, amid escalating criticism over the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
While reiterating Israel’s right to defend itself and to secure the release of captives held by Hamas, Merz cautioned that the Israeli government’s current course “makes it increasingly difficult to see how these goals can be achieved.”
Germany is Israel’s second-largest arms supplier after the United States and has long framed its support for the Israeli state as part of its post-Holocaust moral obligation, a cornerstone of foreign policy known as the Staatsraison.
However, the chancellor’s abrupt change in stance followed mounting pressure from the German public and junior coalition partners over Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza, where access to basic necessities like food and water remains severely restricted.
“This is the right decision. The humanitarian suffering in Gaza is unbearable,” said Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil of the Social Democrats, who co-govern with Merz’s conservative bloc.
An opinion poll conducted in June revealed that 73% of Germans support tighter controls on arms exports, including 30% who favour a complete ban.
The reaction from Israel has been notably silent so far. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, along with the Israeli foreign and defence ministries, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Strategic Blow to Netanyahu’s Government
Analysts say Berlin’s reversal deals a significant diplomatic setback to Netanyahu’s hardline policies.
“Politically and morally, this is certainly a hard blow for Netanyahu and his policies,” said Meron Mendel, director of the Anne Frank Education Centre in Frankfurt.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Germany accounted for 30% of Israel’s major arms imports between 2019 and 2023, including advanced naval vessels such as the Sa’ar 6-class frigates (MEKO A-100), which have played a role in Israel’s Gaza campaign.
Merz emphasized that Germany’s immediate priorities are the release of captives and the advancement of ceasefire negotiations, alongside the urgent need to reduce civilian suffering in Gaza. He also urged the Israeli government to refrain from any further moves toward annexation in the West Bank.
Tensions within the Israeli government have also been rising, with far-right elements of Netanyahu’s coalition calling for a complete takeover of Gaza, a move Israeli military officials have warned could endanger the remaining hostages.
Legal Scrutiny and Export Trends
Between October 7, 2023 and May 13, 2025, Germany granted export licences for €485 million ($564 million) worth of military equipment destined for Israel, according to a parliamentary report released in June.
In the immediate aftermath of the October attack, Germany accelerated its arms exports to Israel nearly tenfold. The surge drew legal challenges from human rights groups concerned that the weapons could be used in Gaza. To date, none of those challenges have succeeded in halting shipments.
The decision to now suspend relevant exports signals a major recalibration of Germany’s long-held diplomatic and military posture toward Israel, one shaped by both historical responsibility and evolving public sentiment.
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