New Delhi: The German government said it will indefinitely suspend weapon exports to Israel that could be fielded in the Gaza Strip, signalling a shift away from unwavering support for the Middle Eastern nation.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the move in a statement, making clear that Berlin “will, until further notice, authorise no military equipment exports that can be used in the Gaza Strip.”
The weapons ban is a direct response to Israel’s decision to expand its Gaza offensive. “The new military push by the Israeli army” relating to the Gaza Strip, “makes it increasingly unclear” to see how “goals” like the release of Israeli hostages, Hamas disarmament and ceasefire negotiations can be achieved, said Merz.
He reiterated that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas, but also warned that “the German Government remains profoundly concerned about the continued suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. With the planned offensive, the Israeli Government bears even more responsibility than hitherto for ensuring that civilians can be provided with the supplies they need.”
Merz added that Tel Aviv “must enable comprehensive access for relief supplies, including for UN organizations and other non-state institutions” while also sternly advising it “not to take any further steps toward annexing the West Bank.”
What impact the arms export ban will have on Israel’s new offensive in Gaza remains to be seen, particularly as the policy relates only to new equipment.
Germany between 2019 and 2023 supplied Israel with armoured vehicle engines that have been used in the conflict, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. In 2023, local media also reported the Israeli Navy used German-made Sa’ar 6-class frigates to carry out the vessel’s first operational attack on the Gaza Strip.
