Germany to halt military exports that could be used in Gaza
The public announcement, which emphasised the human suffering in Gaza, marks a significant shift in Berlin's policy towards its longtime ally.
"The German government will not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice," Merz said in a statement.
Merz acknowledged Israel's right to disarm Hamas and seek the release of Israeli hostages, but said the Israeli decision "makes it increasingly difficult to see how these goals can be achieved".
Germany's steadfast and long-standing support for Israel, based on Holocaust guilt, has been badly strained by Gaza's mounting death toll and humanitarian crisis, which have prompted demands from the German public for government action.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Germany provided 30% of Israel's major arms imports in 2019-2023, primarily naval equipment including Sa'ar 6-class frigates (MEKO A-100 Light Frigates), which have been used in the Gaza war.
Merz said the release of hostages and ceasefire negotiations were Germany's top priorities, along with civilian suffering. He also urged the Israeli government not to take any further steps towards annexing parts of the West Bank.
Far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition have been pushing for a total takeover of Gaza, though the military has warned this could jeopardise the lives of surviving hostages.
Germany's parliament reported in June that export licences for 485 million euros ($564 million) of military equipment for Israel had been granted between the day of the Hamas attack that triggered the Gaza war, October 7, 2023, and May 13, 2025.
After the Hamas attack, Germany increased its arms exports to Israel roughly tenfold in 2023. Human rights groups launched legal challenges, saying the weapons could be used in the Gaza war.
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