Germany faces strong backlash as it resumes arms exports to Israel

A human rights organization reacted sharply to Germany’s move to lift certain restrictions on weapons exports to Israel for use in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, the organization said: “Germany’s partial lifting of the arms embargo on Israel is reckless and unlawful, and sends the completely wrong message — that Israel can continue committing genocide, war crimes, and apartheid against Palestinians, and continue its illegal occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza without fear of consequences.”

The statement continued: “Germany is one of Israel’s main arms suppliers. The partial and previously delayed suspension of arms transfers by Germany was one of the few meaningful forms of pressure imposed by the international community in response to Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Now is not the time to ease this pressure — on the contrary, it is time to ensure that Israel halts its violations of international law, including its illegal occupation, as confirmed by the International Court of Justice in July 2024 and backed by the UN General Assembly. Germany is now on a dangerous path that must be reversed immediately and should not be followed by other states.”

Experts argue that while Israel continues military operations in Gaza and restricts humanitarian aid, essential services, and supplies — with much of the population still displaced and without adequate shelter — Germany’s claim that ceasefire and “stability in Gaza” justify the resumption of arms exports is deeply hypocritical.

Amnesty International stated: “Amnesty has long called for a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel. States must uphold their legal duty to ensure respect for international humanitarian law. Germany and other signatories must abide by their obligations under the Arms Trade Treaty. All states also have a duty to prevent and punish genocide, avoid complicity in genocide, and act to stop it. Governments that continue supplying Israel with weapons are violating their international legal obligations.”

On August 8, 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a partial arms embargo, suspending weapons export licenses to Israeli-occupied territories for use in Gaza “until further notice.”

The announcement followed a decision by Israel’s Security Cabinet approving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans to take control of Gaza City.

On November 24, Germany ended its partial suspension and declared that it would return to case-by-case evaluations of export licenses for weapons intended for use in occupied Gaza.

Germany is Israel’s second-largest arms supplier after the United States. According to German government data, Berlin issued over €485 million in weapons export licenses between October 7, 2023, and May 12, 2025 — including anti-tank weapons and gearboxes for Merkava tanks used in Gaza.