In August, Germany restricted arms exports to Israel because of the Gaza war. The federal government has now again lifted these restrictions. The reason is the ceasefire in the Middle East which has “stabilized”.
After three and a half months, the federal government lifted restrictions on arms exports to Israel imposed because of the Gaza war. Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius confirmed this with a ceasefire between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas in effect since October 10, which has “stabilized in recent weeks.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the withdrawal in a post on the social network X. He called on other governments to “take similar decisions following Germany’s example.”
Federal Government observe further developments
Not included in the previous restrictions was the military equipment Israel needs to protect itself from attacks from outside. The new regulations are supposed to come into effect on November 24. The federal government will generally re-examine individual cases, government spokesman Cornelius said.
The government will “respond to further developments,” Kornelius continued. This may mean that Germany could also make its approval practices conditional on further Israeli army actions in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.
The government spokesperson stressed that Germany will continue to work towards lasting peace in the region and will be involved in providing supplies to the people in Gaza and in reconstruction.
Chancellor Merz’s decision in August was controversial
On August 8, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz ordered to temporarily no longer approve arms exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza war. He was reacting to increasingly harsh measures by the Israeli armed forces. To date, the federal government has stepped up its criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, but has refrained from imposing sanctions.
At the time, Netanyahu accused Germany of using the decision to reward the Islamist group Hamas for its terror. The Chancellor’s decision also caused massive irritation within the Union. Merz discussed it with Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD), but not with the CSU and the leadership of the Union faction in the Bundestag.
