BERLIN (Realist English). Germany will suspend all new arms export approvals to Israel for equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Friday, in what amounts to Berlin’s clearest policy shift since the escalation of Israel’s 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 statement. He argued that Israel’s intensified operations — authorised by its Cabinet overnight — make it “increasingly difficult” to see how stated objectives such as the release of hostages or the disarmament of Hamas can be achieved.
The measure stops short of a blanket arms embargo. Berlin left open the option of continuing exports of systems deemed unrelated to the Gaza campaign, such as missile defence platforms or naval equipment.
Germany reiterated its position that Israel has the right to self-defence and stressed that “the disarmament of Hamas is essential.” However, Merz delivered unusually pointed criticism of the humanitarian fallout from Israel’s plans, urging it to ensure “full access for aid deliveries, including for U.N. organisations and other non-governmental institutions.”
“The Israeli government carries greater responsibility than ever for the civilian population’s supply,” he said.
As one of Israel’s closest defence partners in Europe, Germany’s decision is significant. The freeze applies only to new export approvals, but if existing contracts involve equipment that could be deployed in Gaza, those deliveries may also be paused.
The announcement comes amid mounting political and public pressure in Germany to reassess arms transfers, following reports of rising civilian casualties and limited humanitarian access in Gaza.
Merz also cautioned Israel against any moves “toward annexation of the West Bank,” signalling that Berlin is watching developments beyond the current Gaza war.
