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Israel fires back at Germany over arms embargo

Israel fired back at Germany on Friday over its decision to pause the shipment of arms for use in Gaza. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Germany Chancellor Friedrich Merz and directly 'expressed his disappointment.' 'Instead of supporting Israel's just war against Hamas, which carried out the most horrific attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, Germany is rewarding Hamas terrorism by embargoing arms to Israel,' the official prime minister of Israel's account wrote in a post on the social platform X. 'Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel's goal is not to take over Gaza, but to free Gaza from Hamas and enable a peaceful government to be established there,' the statement added. Amid reports of starvation and Israel's decision to ramp up its operations in Gaza, Merz said it was time for his government to take a stand. 'From the German government's point of view, the even tougher military action of the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, which was decided by the Israeli security cabinet last night, makes it increasingly difficult to see how these goals are to be achieved,' the German leader said in a Friday statement. 'Under these circumstances, the German government is not approving any exports of armaments that can be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice.' Merz maintained that Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas, while adding that determined negotiations on a ceasefire are Germany's 'top priority.' 'The German Government remains deeply concerned about the continuing suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip,' Merz said. 'With the planned offensive, the Israeli government bears even greater responsibility than before for their supply. It must provide comprehensive access for aid deliveries, including for UN organisations and other non-governmental institutions,' he added. In late July, Israeli leaders said they would resume airdrops for aid but denied reports of a humanitarian crisis, as alleged by advocacy groups and journalists on the ground. In response, France, Canada and the United Kingdom have said they will recognize Palestine as a sovereign state. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.