Germany Suspends Military Exports to Israel Amid Rising Gaza Concerns

BERLIN (AP) — Germany has announced an immediate halt to all military equipment exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed on Friday. This decisive action comes as a strikingly swift response from one of Israel’s strongest international backers, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet decision to take over Gaza City.

The move by Berlin signals a significant shift, further isolating Israel amidst widespread international condemnation of its military operations. The United Nations, aid organizations, human rights groups, and even supporters of Israeli hostages have decried the intensified offensive. Germany, a top supplier of military equipment to Israel alongside the United States and Italy, cited the escalating military action as making it increasingly difficult to reconcile with goals of Israeli self-defense and the release of hostages.

Chancellor Merz reiterated Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas but stated, “The even harsher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, approved by the Israeli Cabinet last night, makes it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals will be achieved.” He emphasized that under these circumstances, no military exports for use in Gaza would be authorized “until further notice.”

Netanyahu reportedly expressed his disappointment to Merz on Friday, asserting that Germany’s decision rewards Hamas and undermines Israel’s “just war.” The specific equipment affected by the ban remains unclear, with the German government declining to provide details. This unprecedented step by Germany, historically cautious due to its Holocaust legacy, underscores growing international pressure on Israel regarding the nearly two-year conflict that has caused immense civilian suffering and pushed Gaza toward famine.

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