BERLIN, KOMPAS.com – The German government has stopped exporting weapons or military equipment to Israel that could potentially be used in the war in Gaza.

This move was announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday (8/8/2025) in response to Israel's plan to control Gaza City.

This decision marks a significant shift in the stance of Berlin, which has long been known as one of Israel's closest allies on the international stage, especially regarding efforts to atone for Germany's past sins of the Holocaust.

“In this situation, the German government will not allow the export of any military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice,” Merz said in a statement.

He said it was increasingly difficult to understand how Israel's latest military plan could help achieve its goal of disarming Hamas and freeing Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.

Merz also stressed that Berlin remains deeply concerned about the continuing suffering of civilians in Gaza.

German support begins to erode

Israel has enjoyed broad support across the political spectrum in Germany, a country still haunted by the dark history of the murder of more than six million Jews during World War II.

Government data shows that from the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, to May 2025, Germany approved defense exports worth at least 485 million euros (around Rp 9.2 trillion) to Israel.

These exports include firearms, ammunition, weapon spare parts, special equipment for the army and navy, electronic equipment, and armored vehicles.

Merz emphasized that Israel still has the right to defend itself against Hamas attacks. He also called the release of hostages and the negotiation of a ceasefire a top priority.

"Hamas's disarmament is crucial. Hamas must not play any role in Gaza's future," he said, as quoted by AFP on Friday (August 8, 2025).

However, he believes the Israeli cabinet's decision to order tougher military action in the Gaza Strip makes it even more difficult to understand how that goal can be achieved.

Political pressure at home

Merz's tone towards Israel has become increasingly harsh in recent months as the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens.

Pressure is also coming from some within his coalition government, particularly members of the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), to push Berlin to take a tougher stance on Israel.

However, Germany has so far refrained from taking any major steps. Berlin has also not followed the lead of France, the UK, and Canada, which plan to recognize the state of Palestine next September.