Germany Halts Arms Exports to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict Concerns

Germany has stopped sending weapons to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced this decision on August 8, 2025, in response to Israel’s plan to take over Gaza City. This move marks a big shift for Germany, a country that has long supported Israel due to its history of seeking atonement for the Holocaust. However, the worsening situation in Gaza has pushed Germany to act.

Merz said it’s becoming harder to see how Israel’s military plans will help free hostages or disarm Hamas. “Under these circumstances, we will not approve any exports of military equipment for Gaza until further notice,” he stated. Yet, he stressed that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas. He also urged Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza and avoid annexing the West Bank.

Why This Matters

Germany’s decision is a big deal because it’s one of Israel’s top arms suppliers. Between October 2023 and May 2025, Germany approved $565 million in defense exports to Israel, including firearms, ammunition, and armored vehicles, according to The Hindu. This freeze could affect Israel’s military plans and spark debates in other countries that supply weapons to Israel. For example, the United States, Israel’s largest arms supplier, has expressed some disagreement with Israel’s strategy but shares its goals, as noted by Vice President JD Vance.

Moreover, Germany’s move reflects growing global concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. A UN-backed report has warned of famine in the region, and German air force planes have joined airdrops to deliver aid. Merz emphasized that Israel must do more to help Gaza’s civilians, saying, “The suffering there is unbearable.”

Public and Political Reactions

The decision has stirred mixed reactions. In Germany, 66% of people want their government to push Israel to change its actions in Gaza, according to a recent ARD poll. Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil called the move a “just decision.” However, Germany’s Central Council of Jews criticized it, calling it “disappointing” and urging more pressure on Hamas instead. The German-Israeli Society also slammed the decision, warning that if Israel stops arms deliveries to Germany, it could hurt German defense plans, like the $3.5-billion Arrow-3 missile shield deal.

On the other hand, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed disappointment, saying Germany’s move rewards Hamas. He argued that Israel is fighting a “just war” against a group responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack that started the conflict.

What’s Next?

Germany’s freeze on arms exports could inspire other countries to rethink their support for Israel’s Gaza operations. Meanwhile, Merz has called for ceasefire talks and the release of hostages as top priorities. He also warned Israel against annexing the West Bank, where 71 members of Israel’s parliament recently pushed for annexation.

For now, Germany will continue to allow some arms exports to Israel, like missile defense systems, that aren’t used in Gaza. This shows Berlin is trying to balance its support for Israel with growing concerns about Gaza’s civilians.

Data: Germany’s Arms Exports to Israel

Here’s a look at Germany’s arms exports to Israel from 2020–2024, based on data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute:

This chart highlights Germany’s role as a major arms supplier to Israel, with a slight increase in its share from 2015–2019 to 2020–2024. The data underscores why this suspension is significant.

Global Context

The decision comes as other countries voice concerns about Israel’s plans. The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the Gaza City takeover plan “wrong,” while the UN’s human rights chief warned it could lead to more suffering. Saudi Arabia and Egypt have also condemned Israel’s actions, with Egypt warning that Hamas may harm hostages if the plan moves forward.

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