Summary
- Germany halts military exports usable in Gaza.
- Decision due to Israel's Gaza City takeover.
- Chancellor Merz supports Israel’s self-defense rights.
- Calls for humanitarian aid access in Gaza.
- Marks major policy shift amid crisis.
Berlin, which has always been a staunch ally of
Israel, made the action in response to the Israeli Cabinet's announcement that
it intended to occupy Gaza City.
The release of Israeli hostages and
"purposeful" talks toward a truce in the 22-month conflict "are
our top priority," Merz said in a statement, adding that Israel "has
the right to defend itself against Hamas' terror."
Additionally, he stated that Hamas must not be involved in Gaza's future rule.
"The even harsher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, approved by the Israeli (security) cabinet last night, makes it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals will be achieved,"
he added.
"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."
The German government remains deeply concerned about the suffering of civilians in Gaza, he said:
"With the planned offensive, the Israeli government bears even greater responsibility than before for providing for their needs,"
Merz explained.
He called on Israel to allow comprehensive access for aid deliveries, including for UN organisations and other NGOs, and said Israel.
"must continue to comprehensively and sustainably address the humanitarian situation in Gaza."
Germany also called on Israel’s government
"not to take any further steps toward annexing the West Bank."
Nearly 70% of Israel's armaments come from the
US, the biggest arms exporter in the world. Germany is Israel's second-largest
supplier, and Berlin has delivered €485 million worth of armaments since the
Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza began in October 2023.
With fewer than 1% of Israel's military equipment coming from Italy, it comes in third.
How will Germany's halt of military exports impact Israel's Gaza operations?
Germany is a significant but not the primary
supplier of military equipment to Israel. The United States remains Israel’s
largest arms supplier. Therefore, while Germany's halt curtails some specific
equipment exports, Israel’s overall military capacity is unlikely to be
critically diminished in the short term.
The halt focuses on equipment that could be used
in Gaza operations, excluding missile defense and naval systems not related to
Gaza, so certain defensive capabilities remain supported by Germany.
Politically, this move signals rising European
unease and diplomatic pressure on Israel concerning the Gaza conflict,
particularly over humanitarian considerations and escalation decisions.