Germany Halts New Arms Exports to Israel Amid Gaza Concerns

Germany Implements Halt on New Arms Exports to Israel

Germany has not approved any new arms exports to Israel since a partial embargo was announced in August 2025. This decision follows a statement by Chancellor Friedrich Merz on restricting military equipment use in Gaza. While the initial announcement on August 8, 2025, specified a halt on exports 'that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice,' a subsequent parliamentary inquiry revealed a more comprehensive cessation of new approvals .

According to a written response from the German economic ministry to Left Party lawmaker Ulrich Thoden, no new export licenses were issued to Israel between August 8 and September 12, 2025 . This indicates that the halt has been applied more broadly than initially outlined by the Chancellor.

Context and Rationale Behind the Decision

Chancellor Merz's decision on August 8, 2025, was a direct response to Israel's plans to expand its military operations in Gaza. He expressed 'deep concern' over the suffering of civilians in the region and stated that it was 'increasingly unclear' how the Israeli military plan would achieve its stated aims of disarming Hamas and freeing hostages .

State Secretary Thomas Steffen affirmed that the German government reviews each application 'on a case-by-case basis and in light of the respective situation after careful review, taking foreign and security policy considerations as well as legal requirements into account' . Despite the halt, Steffen reiterated Germany's 'special commitment' to Israel's security, describing it as a cornerstone of German foreign policy .

Historical Context and International Reactions

Prior to this policy shift, Germany had been Israel's second-largest arms supplier, following the United States . Between October 7, 2023, and May 13, 2025, Germany approved export licenses for military equipment to Israel valued at approximately €485 million ($565 million) .

The German government's move has elicited varied reactions both domestically and internationally:

• Left Party (Germany): Lawmaker Ulrich Thoden and his party remain skeptical about the concrete implementation of Merz's declaration and are advocating for a complete ban on all arms sales to Israel .
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Denounced Germany's decision, calling it 'a reward for terrorism' .
• International Pressure: The policy change comes amidst growing international scrutiny. In March 2024, Nicaragua filed a case against Germany at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging complicity in genocide in Gaza . Other European Union member states, including Slovenia in August and Spain in September, have also announced arms embargoes against Israel .

Debate on the Impact of the Embargo

Critics argue that the current halt, which primarily affects new export licenses, may be largely symbolic. Concerns have been raised that previously approved licenses could still be fulfilled, and that the definition of 'military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip' might leave room for other types of transfers . Chancellor Merz has also emphasized that 'the basis of the relationship with Israel will not change,' indicating a nuanced approach to the long-standing bilateral ties .