Latest news with #militaryexports
SBS Australia
a day ago
- Business
- SBS Australia
Australia isn't exporting arms to Israel, weapons components a 'separate issue', Marles says
Germany is suspending all exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza. Australia's Defence Minister says the country's part in the Lockheed Martin supply chain is a separate issue. Richard Marles argues Australia's exports are not on the same scale as Germany and have a limited impact. Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles says any action regarding Australia's exports of component parts to Israel are unlikely to have an impact on the war in Gaza, after reiterating that Australia did not supply weapons to Israel. Marles was asked on Sunday whether Australia would follow Germany's lead to suspend all exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a conservative whose support for Israel was a foundation of his election campaign, last week announced he would not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza "until further notice". Speaking on ABC's Insiders program on Sunday, Marles was questioned on whether Australia would cease exports of armoured steel and components for F-35 jets to Israel. Marles said Australia did not supply weapons to Israel and there was "a lot of misinformation" around this issue. When pressed further on the issue of components, he said that Australia was part of the F-35 supply chain and had been for decades. "That is a multi-lateral arrangement with supply chains that are organised by Lockheed Martin in the United States and have multiple supplies in respect of all of those supply chains," he said. But he said that was "a very different question" to the issue of being an arms exporter. Marles said components were "a separate issue, and this is about having an impact on Israel". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the army will "prepare" to take over Gaza City with Israel's proposal outlining principles for "concluding the war". Source: Getty / Amir Levy "There is no step that we can take here which has any impact in relation to the activities of Israel. And it is a very different question to what is being talked about in relation to Germany which obviously has a significant supply in to Israel," he said. "We want to do everything we can to see an end to the hostilities that are occurring in Gaza. The most important thing that we can do is use our international voice here and that's what we have been doing." After the US, Germany is the next biggest supplier of arms to Israel. Source: SBS News The Greens and pro-Palestinian groups have been pressuring the government over its military trade arrangements with Israel in recent months. Responding to Marles' comment, Greens senator David Shoebridge said: "If the Albanese government stopped the export of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel, then their F-35 fleet would be grounded." "International law is crystal clear, parts of weapons are weapons," he added. "Australia is a key part of the F35 fighter jet program. We are the only place in the world that makes parts like the bomb bay doors and we operate as one of the few regional distribution hubs." Anthony Albanese responds to calls for sanctions on Israel Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has brushed off calls to impose sanctions on Israel. "No, we make decisions and we never foreshadow any of those measures, but sometimes it's just a slogan. I mean, sanctions, I've done this before at a press conference, which sanctions are you talking about," he replied. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese may be on a visit to New Zealand, but broader world matters have continued to be a pressing issue, with questions about Australia's position in regard to Israel being directed his way. Source: AAP / Peter Meecham "People aren't clear. What we need to do here is to have very clear statements and actions by the Australian government that make a difference, rather than respond to a slogan on a protest. "What we do is make a difference. The sanctions that we put on Israeli government ministers are a serious action given the actions of those ministers. So, it's entirely appropriate." Albanese also repeated his government's call for Israel to abandon its plan to seize control of Gaza City which was approved by Israel's security cabinet on Friday. "We called for an immediate ceasefire," he told reporters on Sunday morning following a meeting with Kiwi counterpart Chris Luxon. "We called for the release of hostages and we called for the unimpeded entry of aid into Gaza. "We have a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding there. And the idea that it can just be continued is completely unacceptable." Concerns around Palestinian state recognition under Hamas Opposition home affairs spokesman Andrew Hastie said he was hesitant to recognise the state of Palestine with Hamas, which is listed as a terrorist organisation by Australia, still in "prime position" to control Gaza. "If they did move to elections, let's just say that the Gaza conflict wound up and they moved to elections, what guarantee would there be that Hamas would not win another majority?" he told Sky News. However, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said it would not be unprecedented for Australia to recognise a country while part of it was occupied by a terrorist organisation. "There have frequently been countries where half of that nation has been occupied by a terrorist group and we haven't ceased to recognise the country," he said. "Both Syria and Iraq had a long period where parts of those countries were being occupied and realistically controlled by ISIS." - with additional reporting by AAP
Sky News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News
Germany is one of Israel's strongest allies - so stopping export of arms that could be used in Gaza is huge shift
Germany is traditionally one of Israel's strongest international backers, so the chancellor's message that it will not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza "until further notice" is a significant step. Germany has often avoided the harsh criticism and tougher tones against Israel 's government taken by some of its European allies. Friday's statement stands out and will isolate Israel further following the announcement of its controversial military takeover plan. Chancellor Friedrich Merz was clear that Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas, the hostages must be released, there must be negotiations towards a ceasefire, and Hamas does not have a role in Gaza's future. These messages are not new; this has been the government line since October 2023, but the stopping of some exports of military equipment shows the Germans believe Israel has crossed a line. "In the view of the German government, the even tougher military action taken by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, which was decided last night by the Israeli cabinet, makes it increasingly difficult to see how these goals are to be achieved," the chancellor said. "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." Following the announcement, several politicians showed their support, including vice chancellor, Lars Klingbeil, the leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the junior member in Germany's coalition government, who said: "This is the right decision." But others expressed their dismay online, including Johanne Winkel, the chairman of the Young Union, who wrote: "Israel is doing the dirty work for us starting today, just without German weapons." The German-Israeli society said in a statement: "If this decision by the German government remains in place, it will be a point victory for Hamas in the global propaganda war." After the United States, Germany is one of the main exporters of weapons to Israel. In 2023, it approved arms exports worth 326.5 million euros (£283m), including military equipment and war weapons, according to reports by Reuters based on data from the economy ministry. Last year, the approvals halved to 161 million euros (£140m), coinciding with a legal challenge by human rights groups concerned about the potential use of German weapons in the Gaza war. 5:58 Not a full weapons embargo - but morally significant Following Friday's announcement, I contacted the government to clarify exactly which weapons exports will be impacted. I'm awaiting a reply but what's clear is the move stops short of a full weapons embargo. Gustav Gressel, a military analyst from the National Defence Academy of the Austrian Armed forces, says: "Morally, it's a huge shift for Germany but practically it's not that relevant." According to his industry sources, the majority of deals this year have been related to the navy and include items such as submarines, which would not be used in the Gaza Strip. But that doesn't mean this move isn't important. "It's a huge shift. There's still quite a lot of sympathy for Israel. The German environment is much more pro-Israel than the UK so symbolically, it's quite dramatic," Dr Gressel said. Germany, due to its Nazi past and historic responsibility for the Holocaust, has long had a "special relationship" with Israel and has been one of its staunchest supporters over the years. The country also has a policy of not sending weapons to active conflict zones but had given Israel an exception on the grounds of national defence. In the months following the 7 October attacks, as some of Germany's allies became increasingly critical of the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu, Berlin did not waver. But recently, I have noticed a change in tone, a shifting in the government's position. In an interview at the end of May, the foreign minister announced a review of arms exports to Israel in light of possible violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. "We are examining whether what is happening in the Gaza Strip is compatible with international humanitarian law," Johann Wadephul said in an interview with Suddeutsche Zeitung. "Further arms deliveries will be authorised based on the outcome of that review." There have also been growing calls to halt arms exports by senior members of the SPD. Then, at the beginning of this month, during a visit to Jerusalem, the foreign minister warned Israel was in danger of becoming internationally isolated. "I see it as Germany's duty to do everything it can to prevent this," he said, referring to Germany's "never-ending historical obligation" for Israel's security. The government did not join announcements by the French president and UK prime minister to formally recognise a Palestinian state in September but said the process of recognition "must begin now". Public perception also appears to be changing. In July, more than 200 prominent German celebrities and journalists urged the chancellor to stop arms deliveries and impose sanctions on Israel. In an open letter, the group pointed to the suffering of children in Gaza and stressed: "We, too, condemn the horrific crimes of Hamas in the strongest possible terms. But no crime legitimises the collective punishment of millions of innocent people in the most brutal way." Meanwhile, a poll this week suggested the majority of Germans (66%) believe their country should put more pressure on Israel to address the devastating humanitarian situation unfolding in the Gaza Strip. The survey by public broadcaster ARD also found the fate of the hostages still in captivity was the main concern for 72% of people polled. So, while it's currently unclear which arms exports Friday's announcement will impact, the statement is hugely significant and marks a major change in policy for Germany.
Al Jazeera
3 days ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Germany to halt military exports to Israel for use in Gaza war
Germany has suspended all military exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza after Israel's security cabinet approved a plan to take over Gaza City, an escalation in the 22-month war. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the decision on Friday, shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the security cabinet voted in favour of a plan to seize the largest city in the besieged Palestinian territory. A day earlier, Netanyahu had declared that Israeli forces were aiming to take full military control of the entire Gaza Strip despite mounting international condemnation over Israel's war, which has killed tens of thousands of people and caused a starvation crisis. '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. While continuing to back what he called Israel's 'right to defend itself' and the release of captives held by Hamas, Merz stressed that Germany could no longer ignore the worsening toll on civilians. 'The even harsher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, approved by the Israeli cabinet last night, makes it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals will be achieved,' he said. The timing of another major ground operation remains unclear since it will likely hinge on mobilising thousands of soldiers and forcibly removing civilians, almost certainly exacerbating the humanitarian catastrophe. Gaza health authorities said 197 people, including 96 children, have died of malnutrition during the war in Gaza as Israel continues to impose severe restrictions on supplies of humanitarian aid. A United Nations-backed assessment has warned that famine is unfolding in the enclave. Merz urged Israel to allow full and sustained access for humanitarian groups, including the UN and NGOs, to help civilians. 'With the planned offensive, the Israeli government bears even greater responsibility than before for providing for their needs,' Merz added. He also warned Israel against any steps towards annexing the occupied West Bank. In July, the Israeli parliament approved a symbolic measure calling for the annexation of the West Bank. From October 2023 to May this year, Germany issued arms export licences to Israel worth 485 million euros ($564m), making it one of Israel's key military suppliers, according to figures from the German parliament. Netanyahu's office said the Israeli army 'will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones'.
Al Jazeera
3 days ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Germany halts military exports to Israel for use in Gaza offensive
Germany has suspended all military exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza after Israel's security cabinet approved a plan to take over Gaza City, an escalation in the 22-month war. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the decision on Friday, shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the security cabinet voted in favour of a plan to seize the largest city in the besieged Palestinian territory. A day earlier, Netanyahu had declared that Israeli forces were aiming to take full military control of the entire Gaza Strip despite mounting international condemnation over Israel's war, which has killed tens of thousands of people and caused a starvation crisis. '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. While continuing to back what he called Israel's 'right to defend itself' and the release of captives held by Hamas, Merz stressed that Germany could no longer ignore the worsening toll on civilians. 'The even harsher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, approved by the Israeli cabinet last night, makes it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals will be achieved,' he said. The timing of another major ground operation remains unclear since it will likely hinge on mobilising thousands of soldiers and forcibly removing civilians, almost certainly exacerbating the humanitarian catastrophe. Gaza health authorities said 197 people, including 96 children, have died of malnutrition during the war in Gaza as Israel continues to impose severe restrictions on supplies of humanitarian aid. A United Nations-backed assessment has warned that famine is unfolding in the enclave. Merz urged Israel to allow full and sustained access for humanitarian groups, including the UN and NGOs, to help civilians. 'With the planned offensive, the Israeli government bears even greater responsibility than before for providing for their needs,' Merz added. He also warned Israel against any steps towards annexing the occupied West Bank. In July, the Israeli parliament approved a symbolic measure calling for the annexation of the West Bank. From October 2023 to May this year, Germany issued arms export licences to Israel worth 485 million euros ($564m), making it one of Israel's key military suppliers, according to figures from the German parliament. Netanyahu's office said the Israeli army 'will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones'.
Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Germany to halt military exports that could be used in Gaza
BERLIN, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Germany will halt exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday, in response to Israel's plan to expand its operations there. 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.
