Following approval of a plan for a new military offensive, Germany will not export weapons to Israel that could be used in Gaza.
After Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved a plan to occupy the capital of Gaza, Germany has halted arms exports to Israel that might be used there.
The plan, announced by the Israeli prime minister’s office, aims to disarm Hamas, demilitarize Gaza, and free the remaining hostages. This followed Netanyahu’s statement that he intended to gain full military control of Gaza. Concerns have been raised that this operation could endanger the remaining captives.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized Germany’s support for Israel’s fight “against Hamas’ terror” and its priority to return Israeli hostages, but questions remain about how the new military action will achieve these aims.
“Under these circumstances, the German Government will, until further notice, authorize no military equipment exports that can be used in the Gaza Strip,” Merz stated on the federal government’s website on Friday.
He added that Germany is “profoundly concerned” about the suffering of Gazans and emphasized the increased responsibility to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian civilians during Israel’s new offensive.
The UN has repeatedly warned of a severe food crisis in Gaza, accusing Israel of hindering the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The Israeli prime minister’s office reported that Netanyahu expressed “disappointment with Merz’s decision to embargo arms to Israel” during a call with the German leader.
The office stated on X on Friday that instead of supporting “Israel’s just war against Hamas,” Germany is “rewarding Hamas terrorism by embargoing arms to Israel.”
In 2023, the militant group attacked Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages to Gaza.
The Gaza Health Ministry recently reported that Israel’s subsequent military operation has resulted in over 61,000 Palestinian deaths.
While suspending arms exports to Israel due to concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza, Merz has advocated for increased military aid to Ukraine, a position that has drawn criticism from some within his own party and is seen by Russia as prolonging the conflict.