Merz restrictions push German arms export approvals to Israel to zero
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's August restrictions on arms exports to Israel resulted in no deliveries being approved in the first five weeks after the decision.
According to a response from the Economy Ministry to a parliamentary inquiry from The Left party lawmaker Ulrich Thoden, between August 8, the day Merz announced the restrictions, and September 12, no approvals were granted.
The government said each case was assessed individually, taking foreign and security policy concerns and legal requirements into account, while reaffirming its commitment to Israel's protection.
Merz imposed the temporary halt on exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza conflict, signalling a shift in Germany's Israel policy amid increasingly aggressive Israeli operations in Gaza. Previously, Berlin had criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government but had avoided sanctions.
Following the attack by Palestinian militant organization Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, the German government had initially increased arms exports, approving deliveries worth nearly €500 million ($588 million) under former chancellor Olaf Scholz. Under Merz, military exports continued briefly, with €3.99 million approved in his first five weeks.
Netanyahu criticized the partial export halt, accusing Germany of rewarding Hamas for its attacks. The Left party has called for a full halt to all arms exports to Israel and an end to military cooperation, warning the government risks complicity in violations of international law against Palestinian civilians.