Germany
halts Gaza-related arms exports to Israel over expanded offensive
Berlin is
one of Israel’s closest allies, but is increasingly uncomfortable with its Gaza
strategy.
August 8,
2025 12:40 pm CET
By Chris
Lunday
BERLIN —
Germany will suspend arms exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza
Strip, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Friday, marking Berlin’s clearest
shift yet in response to Israel’s escalating military campaign.
“Under
these circumstances, the German government will, until further notice, not
approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza
Strip,” Merz said in a government press release. He added that Israel’s
intensified operations in Gaza — approved by its Cabinet overnight—make it
“increasingly difficult” to see how stated goals like the release of hostages
or the disarmament of Hamas can be achieved.
The move
stops short of a full weapons embargo and leaves open the possibility of
continued exports for systems unrelated to the Gaza campaign, such as missile
defense or naval equipment.
Germany
has long emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense and reiterated Friday that
“the disarmament of Hamas is essential.”
However,
Merz sharply criticized the humanitarian consequences of Israel’s planned
offensive, urging the government to allow “full access for aid deliveries,
including for U.N. organizations and other non-governmental institutions.”
“The
Israeli government carries greater responsibility than ever for the civilian
population’s supply,” Merz said.
Germany
is one of Israel’s closest defense partners in Europe. The freeze affects only
new arms export approvals. Deliveries from past deals can still go ahead — but
if the weapons could be used in Gaza, those shipments may also be put on hold.
The
announcement follows mounting pressure in Germany to reevaluate arms transfers
amid reports of growing civilian casualties and limited access for humanitarian
aid in Gaza.
Merz also
warned Israel against steps “toward annexation of the West Bank,” in a signal
that Berlin is monitoring developments beyond the current war.
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