Germany Halts Military Exports to Israel - Merz: "Responsibility for Gaza's civilians lies with you

In a significant policy shift, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Friday that Germany will no longer approve military exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip. The decision follows the Israeli cabinet’s approval of a planned military “takeover” of Gaza City, part of a broader escalation in the ongoing war with Hamas.

Merz cited “grave concern” for the civilian population in Gaza and the Israeli government’s growing responsibility amid deepening military action. He also warned Israel against any steps toward annexing the West Bank.

“With the planned attack, the Israeli government bears even greater responsibility for the needs of the population than in the past,” Merz said. “The humanitarian situation must improve, and negotiating a ceasefire and the release of hostages must be our top priorities.”

Germany is Israel’s second-largest arms supplier, after the United States. The Chancellor's announcement marks a serious diplomatic shift and may have strategic consequences for Israel’s military readiness.

Key Israeli Defense Imports at Risk

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Germany accounts for 33% of Israeli arms imports, with the U.S. providing 60%. Since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, Germany has exported nearly €500 million worth of defense equipment to Israel, including weapons, ammunition, naval systems, electronics, and armored vehicles.

However, arms exports to Israel from Germany have been drastically reduced in 2024, dropping to €14 million as of August — the lowest level since 2004. In contrast, 2023 exports totaled $352 million.

The Chancellor’s decision could impact both state-owned and private Israeli companies operating in Germany. If Israel faces an emergency in the future, it may no longer be able to quickly procure defense systems from Germany, as it had in the past.

Domestic Jewish Leaders Criticize

The Central Council of Jews in Germany sharply condemned the move. President Josef Schuster said it represented a betrayal of Germany’s previously declared solidarity with Israel:

“This change of direction contradicts all the expressions of solidarity and promises made by the Chancellor. Israel is under constant attack and denying it the ability to defend itself endangers its very existence.”

Wider European Against Israel's Gaza Operation

Germany’s announcement came amid a wave of international condemnation of Israel’s decision to prepare for a military occupation of Gaza City. The Israeli cabinet’s plan includes disarming Hamas, securing the return of hostages, and installing a non-Hamas, non-PA civilian government — prompting strong criticism across Europe and the Middle East.

UK: "Wrong Decision"

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Israel’s move “wrong” and urged the government to reconsider:

“This action will not advance the end of the conflict or help release the hostages. It will only lead to more bloodshed.”

Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium Speak Out

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Waldekamp said Israel’s plan was “the wrong step,” warning it would not contribute to the humanitarian situation or the return of hostages. He reiterated that “Gaza belongs to the Palestinians.”

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called on Israel to immediately reverse its decision, while Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prabowo summoned Israel’s ambassador to express Belgium’s “absolute disagreement” with the plan.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen joined calls for an immediate ceasefire, saying Israel must reconsider its course of action.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry strongly denounced the cabinet decision, accusing Israel of pursuing a policy of “starvation, systematic killing, and mass destruction” that could destabilize the region. The ministry urged the international community to act before the conflict escalates further.

Saudi Arabia issued one of the harshest condemnations to date, declaring:

“We unequivocally condemn Israel’s decision to occupy the Gaza Strip and its persistence in committing crimes of starvation, ethnic cleansing, and cruel practices against the Palestinian people.”

Germany’s Position: No to Annexation

Chancellor Merz made clear that Germany opposes any Hamas role in post-war Gaza but stressed that a two-state solution remains the only path forward. He urged Israel to allow greater humanitarian access to Gaza and to enable UN and NGO aid shipments.

In May, German Foreign Minister Max Wadpool warned that Germany had “red lines” regarding arms exports to Israel, citing violations of international humanitarian law as a potential trigger for halting military support.

While Germany has not joined France and the UK in unilaterally recognizing a Palestinian state, Wadpool reiterated last week that negotiations toward a two-state solution must begin immediately.