Germany Bars Military Exports to Israel for Use in Gaza, Chancellor Says - Israel News - Haaretz.com
The German government will not approve any exports to Israel of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday in response to Israel's plan to expand its military operations in the Strip.
Hours earlier, the Israeli security cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan for a Gaza takeover after 10 hours of discussions.
The release of the Israeli hostages and negotiations for a cease-fire are Germany's top priorities, Merz said in a statement, expressing deep concern over the suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip.
Israel "has the right to defend itself against Hamas' terror," Merz said, adding that the group must not have a role in the future of Gaza.
"The even harsher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, approved by the Israeli security cabinet last night, makes it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals will be achieved," he added.
"Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice."
The German government remains deeply concerned about the suffering of civilians in Gaza, he said, adding: "With the planned offensive, the Israeli government bears even greater responsibility than before for providing for their needs."
He called on Israel to allow comprehensive access for aid deliveries – including for UN organizations and other NGOs – and said Israel "must continue to comprehensively and sustainably address the humanitarian situation in Gaza."
Palestinian boys inspect the site of a morning Israeli strike on a house, in Gaza City, Friday.Credit: Mahmoud Issa/Reuters
Germany also called on Israel's government "not to take any further steps toward annexing the West Bank."
In May, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that Germany has "a limit"regarding weapon shipments to Israel. "Where we learn that it is being violated, we will intervene and certainly not continue to supply weapons."
Germany is Israel's second-biggest weapons supplier after the U.S.
According to a report by the JNS, Germany shipped $352 million worth of weapons to Israel in 2023, marking a significant increase from the year prior. In 2024, Israel received $150 million worth of German weapons shipments.
The German government responded to a parliamentary query by Die Linke in May 2025, saying that, since the beginning of the war, "individual export licenses for the final export of military equipment to Israel with a total value of EUR 485,103,796 [$565,000] were issued."
According to the government, the shipments included "firearms, ammunition, weapon parts, special equipment for the army and navy, electronic equipment, and special armored vehicles."