Germany has announced the suspension of military equipment exports to Israel that could be used in operations in the Gaza Strip, marking a significant policy shift amid growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz made the announcement on Friday, August 8, 2025, citing Israel’s intensified military plans to take control of Gaza City as a cause for serious concern. “Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice,” Merz said in a statement.
While reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defence against Hamas, Merz said it had become “increasingly difficult to understand” how the new military strategy would achieve the stated objectives of disarming Hamas and securing the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
The move marks a dramatic departure for Germany, historically one of Israel’s most steadfast allies. Support for Israel has long been a pillar of German foreign policy, rooted in the country’s efforts to reckon with its Holocaust legacy and the murder of over six million Jews during World War II.
Between the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack and May 2025, Germany approved at least €485 million ($565 million) in defence exports to Israel. The shipments included firearms, ammunition, weapons parts, armoured vehicles, electronic systems, and equipment for military use, according to government disclosures in June.
Despite Germany’s strong support for Israel’s right to security, Merz stressed that the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza could not be ignored. “Berlin remains deeply concerned about the ongoing suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip,” he said, calling on Israel to allow full humanitarian access to international organizations and NGOs.
German military aircraft have joined international partners in recent days to airdrop humanitarian aid into Gaza. Merz underscored that with the planned Israeli offensive, the onus is now on the Israeli government to ensure that civilians receive adequate assistance.
He also issued a warning against further escalation, urging Israel to refrain from any steps toward annexing the West Bank. His comments follow last month’s vote by 71 members of Israel’s Knesset, including members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, supporting a motion calling for West Bank annexation.
While Germany has so far resisted recognizing a Palestinian state, unlike France, Canada, and the United Kingdom, which plan to do so in September, there are increasing calls within Chancellor Merz\’s coalition to apply more pressure on Israel.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, during a recent visit to Israel, reiterated that Germany’s recognition of a Palestinian state must follow negotiations between both sides, but acknowledged that “the process must begin soon.”
Germany has also maintained its opposition to suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, despite it being under review by the European Union.
The suspension of arms exports signals a more assertive stance from Berlin, reflecting shifting political dynamics at home and growing frustration over the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
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