FAQ

Germany is restricting arms deliveries to Israel with immediate effect. How does Chancellor Merz explain this move? And what is known about the nature and extent of German arms exports to Israel? An overview.

How did Chancellor Merz justify the decision?

The Israeli security cabinet has decided to take control of the entire city of Gaza. This is the reason for the significant shift in German Middle East policy and the strong words of Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

In a press release, Merz emphasized Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas terror. The chancellor said the priority must be to free the hostages still in Hamas's hands. And there must be a ceasefire. Hamas must not play any further role in Gaza in the future.

That's the introduction. And then the Chancellor concludes that, from the German government's perspective, the"even tougher military action" in the Gaza Strip decided upon by the Israeli cabinet makes it increasingly unclear how these goals are to be achieved. Therefore, the German government will not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip"until further notice."

What weapons are we talking about?

Now we have to look at what Germany is supplying to Israel. Anti-tank weapons and ammunition, for example, can also be used in Gaza. In a response by the German government to a parliamentary question from the Left Party at the beginning of June, it stated that deliveries to Israel included"among other things, firearms, ammunition, weapon parts, special equipment for the army and navy, electronic equipment, and special tanks." The statement refers to the period from October 7, 2023, to May 13, 2025.

The military equipment is not further specified. It is listed under various so-called export list items (A0001 to A0022), which are further divided into subcategories according to the Foreign Trade and Payments Ordinance.

In the past, however, Germany has also supplied submarines that are not used in Gaza. Nor would it be affected by weapons that could be used, for example, to defend against attacks from Iran.

How have arms deliveries to Israel developed?

Overall, it can be said that the number of arms exports increased significantly after the Hamas terrorist attack. However, it then declined sharply again.

According to the German Federal Government, arms exports to Israel totaling more than €485 million were approved between October 7, 2023, and May 13, 2025. These included small arms, large-caliber weapons, ammunition, bombs, as well as protective equipment, software, and electronics.

According to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the German government approved arms deliveries to Israel worth €161 million in 2024. From January to March 2025, it approved arms exports to Israel worth just under €28 million.

Where does Israel get its arms supplies?

According to the peace research institute SIPRI, Israel was the 15th largest arms importer worldwide between 2019 and 2023. During this period, the country was supplied with weapons primarily by the United States, Germany, and Italy.

The United States was the largest arms supplier during the period, accounting for 69 percent. Germany had a 30 percent share—primarily supplying the Israeli Navy. Italy accounted for 0.9 percent of arms deliveries to Israel.

How do experts assess the impact of this move?

An expert on arms deliveries expects only limited effects following Germany's announced suspension of exports to Israel. German companies account for 30 percent of Israeli military imports, explained Zain Hussain of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The majority of this concerns naval equipment."Germany has been committed to supplying Israel with weapons, especially ships."

Hussain pointed to Germany's deep support for Israel and the close defense relationship. German-made small warships equipped with advanced radar and cannons, such as the Sa'ar type, have fired on targets in the Gaza Strip in the ongoing war between Israel and the militant Islamist Hamas, Hussain said. It was"a big deal" that Germany—one of Israel's closest allies—admitted itself to feeling uneasy about Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip."However, I don't think that alone will stop Israel's operations in Gaza, and Israel still has the US as a committed arms supplier," Hussain said.

What are the reactions to Merz's decision?

Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) supported the Chancellor and called the halt to arms deliveries"the right decision." He added that the humanitarian suffering in Gaza, for which the Israeli government bears great responsibility, is unbearable. The SPD leader emphasized that no further facts should be created that would contradict a two-state solution, neither in Gaza nor in the West Bank."Our full solidarity goes out to the State of Israel, but what is wrong must be called out," Klingbeil said.

Criticism came from the Central Council of Jews and the German-Israeli Society (DIG). Central Council President Josef Schuster called the decision a"disappointing" one that contradicted all the Chancellor's expressions of solidarity. The DIG described the move as"a point gained by Hamas in the global propaganda war."

Lea Reisner, the Left Party's spokesperson for international relations, described the decision as an"overdue step" and called for further measures, including the suspension of the EU Association Agreement and the recognition of Palestine.

The Greens believe this step doesn't go far enough. Green Party leader Franziska Brantner told the dpa news agency:"Chancellor Merz and his Foreign Minister Wadephul must now vigorously advocate for a political process. Serious pressure is needed now for an end to the war and the humanitarian catastrophe, the release of the hostages, and a political perspective."