Germany has suspended the approval of military exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, in what marks a significant shift in Berlin’s longstanding policy of unconditional support for Israel, the British newspaper The Guardian reported.
The decision was announced on Friday by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who warned that Israel’s planned expansion of military operations in Gaza made it “increasingly difficult” to justify continued arms deliveries. The move comes amid growing international condemnation of Israel’s intention to seize control of Gaza City as part of what officials in Tel Aviv describe as a broader campaign to reoccupy the Strip.
“Under these circumstances, the German government will until further notice not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip,” Merz reportedly said in a statement.
Merz reiterated that the German government supports Israel’s right to self-defense and the need to release captives held by Hamas. However, he emphasized that the new military escalation contradicts Berlin’s dual priorities of achieving a ceasefire and improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The chancellor said the Israeli government now bears “even stronger responsibility than to date” for the welfare of civilians in Gaza, where international agencies warn of catastrophic conditions following months of bombardment and blockade. He added that Israel must allow “full-scale access for aid deliveries, including UN organizations and other non-governmental institutions.”
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the German move, accusing Berlin of “rewarding Hamas terrorism by embargoing arms to Israel.” His comments came as other international actors, including the UN and senior EU officials, sharply criticized the new Israeli offensive plan.
Merz concluded his statement by warning Israel against any moves toward annexation in the occupied West Bank, underscoring the growing unease in Berlin over the direction of Israeli policy.
