Germany Halts Part of Arms Exports to Israel: Merz Defends Controversial Decision

According to SaedNews, citing Deutsche Welle, Merz stated that no shipment of weapons that could potentially be used in attacks on Gaza will be sent from Germany to Israel. This decision, limited to a portion of exports, represents the first serious shift in the long-standing military cooperation between the two countries.

In an interview with ARD, he emphasized that Germany’s support for Israel’s security remains intact, but this support does not imply unconditional approval of all actions by the Tel Aviv government. Merz warned that the continuation of military operations could result in the deaths of “hundreds of thousands” of civilians.

This stance has created a rift within the ruling coalition; centrist and left-leaning parties have welcomed it, while Merz’s conservative allies in Bavaria, sharply criticizing the move, argue it was made without consulting them and label it a strategic mistake. Meanwhile, some members of Germany’s Jewish community have described the halt as a “propaganda victory” for Hamas.

Reactions to this policy have not been confined to Germany. Israel, the second-largest importer of German weapons after the United States, will face a significant reduction in military equipment deliveries. China, Norway, Belgium, and several international organizations have also, in separate statements, called for a halt or moderation of Israel’s military operations.

Merz’s decision is not only a test of Germany’s foreign policy regarding one of the most sensitive crises in the Middle East but could also influence his domestic political standing, where support for Israel has long been regarded as an untouchable red line.