German Chancellor Frederick Merz said on Friday that Berlin Gaza would not approve of the German arms exports to Israel for use in the strip “to the next notice”.
The announcement is a major course for Germany, one of the staunch international colleagues of Israel.
This came when Israel’s security cabinet approved the plan to handle the city of Gaza, the government said it was an essential step to destroy Hamas and free the remaining hostages held in the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s decision has inspired international loyalty and opposition from hostage families, saying that the plan threatens their loved ones.
Why is Germany banning partial arms exports?
Merz said that “Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas terrorism.”
“The release of hostage and prescribed talks for a ceasefire is our top priority,” He said in a statement,
However, “Gaza strip in the Gaza strip, even the Israeli military, which was approved by the Israeli Security Cabinet” makes it difficult to see how these goals can be achieved, “said.
With the planned expansion of Israeli’s aggressive Israeli in Gaza, the government of the Israeli “takes more responsibility” to provide assistance to citizens in the Palestinian region, Merz said. He called for a comprehensive access to the United Nations organization and other non-governmental institutions.
Merz said that “the German government urged the Israeli government not to take any other step towards enacting the West Bank.”
A change of tone
Germany, with its history of Holocaust, has long been a “special relationship” with Israel and has been one of its stringent supporters – whether the government is in power.
But according to a recent survey, a clear majority believes that Chancellor should increase pressure on Israel. The fate of the hostages who are still captive in Gaza are a main concern for German voters.
The government of Merz has already criticized the operation of Israel in Gaza, which is increasing international concern over the suffering of Palestinians.
Germany, however, did not attend the announcements of plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keer Strandmer in September.
It was not immediately clear which military equipment would be from Germany.
According to data from the German Parliament, the export license for military equipment for 485 million euros ($ 564 million) released in June, 485 million euros ($ 564 million) for military equipment for 485 million euros ($ 564 million) were given on October 7, 2023 and 13, 2025.
Edited by: Wesley Dakri
