Germany approved nearly €800 million worth of military equipment exports to Israel in the first half of 2026, more than four times the total approved during all of 2025, despite Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
The sharp increase came after Chancellor Friedrich Merz lifted restrictions on arms exports to Israel in November 2025, just three and a half months after temporarily suspending exports of weapons that could be used in Gaza.
Export licenses issued between January and June exceeded four times the total value approved for Israel throughout 2025, the report said.
The majority of the new approvals were for large-scale defence projects. Around 67% of the €735.8 million approved in the second quarter was connected to a naval project, including the German-built INS Drakon submarine, which recently left a shipyard in Kiel bound for Israel. Other licences covered equipment including small arms, ammunition, explosives and drones.
The figures have prompted accusations of hypocrisy from Germany’s opposition Left Party. Its international affairs spokesperson, Lea Reisner, accused the government of applying 'unlimited double standards' by condemning inflammatory statements from Israeli officials while continuing to expand military support for Israel.
Germany has long been one of Israel’s strongest European supporters, with successive governments citing Germany’s historical responsibility following the Holocaust as a basis for its close relationship with Israel.
