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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday announced a suspension of exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip following the Israeli government’s decision to expand operations in the coastal territory.<\/p>\n
The move represents a major step for Berlin, which has been one of Israel’s strongest supporters since the October 7, 2023 attacks and has repeatedly blocked EU initiatives to issue sanctions over the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza.<\/p>\n
“The German government remains deeply concerned about the ongoing suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip,” Merz said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“With the planned offensive, the Israeli government bears even greater responsibility than before” for supplying the territory’s civilian population with aid, Merz added.<\/p>\n
The chancellor underlined that Israel has the “right to defend itself against the terror of Hamas” and insisted that the release of hostages and targeted negotiations on a ceasefire remain Germany’s highest priorities.<\/p>\n
But Merz said the decision to launch a fresh offensive, agreed by Israel’s Security Cabinet overnight, makes it increasingly difficult to achieve Israel’s goals in the war.<\/p>\n
“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,” he added.<\/p>\n
Germany has consistently opposed banning military exports to Israel during the conflict with the Palestinian Islamist Hamas group.<\/p>\n
Between October 7, 2023, and May 13, 2025, Berlin approved \u20ac485.1 million ($564.8 million) in weapons and military equipment to Israel, according to figures from the Economy Ministry.<\/p>\n
Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil backed the decision to suspend exports on Friday.<\/p>\n
“We stand in full solidarity with the State of Israel, but wrongdoing must be named and shamed,” he said.<\/p>\n
The humanitarian suffering in Gaza is unbearable, and the Israeli government bears great responsibility for the situation, argued Klingbeil, who also serves as finance minister.<\/p>\n
“That is why humanitarian aid must now be allowed into Gaza as quickly and comprehensively as possible,” he stressed.<\/p>\n
Both Klingbeil and Merz also emphasized that Germany opposes any efforts by the Israeli government to annex the West Bank.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n