German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday that Berlin would not approve German weapons exports to Israel for use in the Gaza Strip “until further notice.”
The announcement marks a major change of course for Germany, which has been one of Israel’s staunchest international allies.
It came as Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a plan to take over Gaza City, with the government saying it was a necessary move to destroy Hamas and free the remaining hostages held in the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s decision has prompted international condemnation and opposition from hostage families, who say the plan endangers their loved ones.
Why is Germany imposing a partial arms exports ban?
Merz reiterated that “Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas terrorism.”
“The release of the hostages and determined negotiations for a ceasefire are our top priority,” he said in a statement.
However, “the even tougher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip” that was approved by the Israeli Security Cabinet “makes it increasingly difficult to see how these goals can be achieved,” he added.
With the planned expansion of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, the Israeli government “bears even greater responsibility” for providing aid to civilians in the Palestinian territory, Merz said. He called for comprehensive access for UN organizations and other non-governmental institutions.
Merz also said that “the German government urges the Israeli government not to take any further steps toward annexing the West Bank.”
From 2020 to 2024, Germany accounted for about a third of Israel’s incoming arms supply. Germany’s arms supply to Israel has included armored vehicles, trucks, anti-tank weapons and ammunition.
A change of tone
Germany, with its history of the Holocaust, has long had a “special relationship” with Israel and has been among its staunchest supporters — regardless of which government is in power.
But according to a recent poll, a clear majority believes that the chancellor should increase pressure on Israel. The fate of the hostages still being held captive in Gaza remains the main concern for German voters.
Merz’s government has already expressed criticism of Israel’s operations in Gaza amid international concern has been growing over the suffering of Palestinians.
Germany, however, did not join the announcements by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer of plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state in September.
It was not immediately clear which military equipment from Germany would be halted.
Export licences for military equipment to Israel worth 485 million euros ($564 million) were granted between October 7, 2023 and May 13, 2025, according to German parliament figures released in June.
Edited by: Wesley Dockery
