Berlin, August 10: Germany will halt exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday, citing doubts over Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City and concerns about worsening humanitarian conditions.
Merz said it was “increasingly unclear” how the latest Israeli military push would help disarm Hamas and free Israeli hostages, while reaffirming that “the disarmament of Hamas is imperative” and that the militant group should have no role in Gaza’s future.
“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,” Merz said, adding that Berlin “remains deeply concerned about the suffering of the civilian population in Gaza” and urging comprehensive humanitarian access.
The decision marks a significant shift for Germany, long one of Israel’s staunchest allies. Between the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and May this year, Berlin approved defence exports worth €485 million ($565 million), including firearms, ammunition, weapons parts, electronics and armoured vehicles.
Reactions were split. The Central Council of Jews in Germany called the move “disappointing” and urged the government to reverse course, while Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil of the Social Democrats welcomed it as a “just decision” in light of “unbearable” humanitarian suffering.
An ARD poll this week found that 66% of Germans want the government to exert greater influence over Israel to change its actions in Gaza.
Germany has refrained from recognising a Palestinian state, unlike France, Britain and Canada, and opposed suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Merz also warned Israel against steps toward annexing the West Bank, after a majority in Israel’s parliament backed a motion calling for annexation last month.
The German-Israeli Society, which promotes bilateral ties, criticised the freeze and warned it could undermine a $3.5 billion deal for Israel’s Arrow-3 missile defence system, which Germany is buying.
