Germany ends arms export ban on Israel amid Gaza ceasefire

Germany Ends Arms Export Ban on Israel Amid Gaza Ceasefire

Germany has announced it will lift its restrictions on arms exports to Israel at the end of November, ending a three-month pause imposed during the height of the Gaza conflict.

Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius confirmed on Monday that the limitations introduced in August by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, following allegations of Israeli war crimes, will no longer apply. He said the ceasefire agreed in October between Israel and Hamas had “stabilized in recent weeks,” allowing Berlin to return to normal export procedures.

Kornelius added that Germany is stepping up diplomatic efforts for a “lasting peace” while increasing humanitarian support for civilians in Gaza.

The shift means Germany will return to case-by-case reviews of export applications, ending a period in which no new weapons permits were issued. A written response from the economy ministry showed that between August 8 and September 12, Germany approved zero arms export licences to Israel.

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The embargo had effectively blocked sales of key equipment, including Renk-produced engines for Merkava battle tanks, despite German officials insisting only items “clearly usable in Gaza” were frozen.

The suspension was introduced under public pressure as the war escalated. Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw 251 taken hostage. Israel’s retaliation left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and displaced most of Gaza’s population.

The October ceasefire, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, enabled the release of the remaining 20 Israeli hostages.

Germany is Israel’s second-largest weapons supplier after the United States, and Merz’s decision in August marked a rare break from Berlin’s historically strong support for Israel.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vowed to block any move toward Palestinian statehood, ahead of a United Nations Security Council vote on a U.S.-backed resolution proposing an international stabilization force for Gaza. The vote is expected Monday, despite objections from Russia, China and several Arab states.

 

Germany ends arms export ban on Israel amid Gaza ceasefire