Germany Suspends Israel Arms Exports Over Gaza Takeover Plan/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Germany has suspended military exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza, citing concerns over a planned offensive to seize Gaza City. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the move reflects deep worries about civilian suffering and the fate of hostages. Other European nations have also voiced strong opposition to Israel’s expanded war plans.
Germany-Israel Arms Export Freeze: Quick Looks
- Berlin halts military exports to Israel “until further notice”
- Move follows Israel’s decision to retake Gaza City
- Merz says humanitarian needs and hostage release must be prioritized
- Germany remains historically committed to Israel’s security post-Holocaust
- Other European nations condemn Gaza escalation, urge de-escalation
- Dutch and Danish foreign ministers call operation “wrong move”
- Slovenia already banned all arms trade with Israel in July
- Israel’s war has killed tens of thousands in Gaza since 2023
- Families of remaining hostages fear for their safety
- EU-Israel relations strained by aid restrictions and civilian casualties
Deep Look
Germany Breaks With Israel Over Gaza City Offensive, Freezes Military Exports
BERLIN — In a significant policy shift, Germany announced Friday that it will suspend all military equipment exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza, citing deep concern over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to seize Gaza City.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz framed the decision as a response to escalating military action that threatens to worsen an already dire humanitarian crisis in the territory.
“The even harsher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip… makes it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals will be achieved,” Merz said, referring to both the release of hostages and the pursuit of a ceasefire.
The announcement marks a rare break from Germany’s long-standing policy of unwavering support for Israel, rooted in its postwar commitment to safeguarding Israel’s security after the Holocaust.
Balancing Support and Humanitarian Concerns
Merz emphasized that Israel “has the right to defend itself against Hamas’ terror” and reiterated that Hamas must have no role in Gaza’s future governance. But he also warned that with the planned offensive, Israel “bears even greater responsibility” for the welfare of Gaza’s civilians.
He called for Israel to grant full and sustained access for humanitarian aid, including through the United Nations and non-governmental organizations.
Germany has typically avoided the stronger criticisms of Israel voiced by some other EU nations. Merz’s government, for example, has not joined France and Britain in pledging to formally recognize a Palestinian state next month.
European Criticism Mounts
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said on X (formerly Twitter) that Netanyahu’s plan was “a wrong move” that would worsen the humanitarian crisis and hinder hostage negotiations.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen echoed that sentiment, telling broadcaster DR the operation “will only lead to even greater suffering for the civilian population.”
Slovenia went further last month, banning all arms imports, exports, and transits to and from Israel over the war in Gaza — the first EU member to do so.
These moves follow a joint statement from two dozen mostly European countries condemning Israel’s tight restrictions on aid shipments and the killings of hundreds of Palestinians attempting to reach food.
War’s Toll and Domestic Israeli Debate
Israel’s military campaign, triggered by the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023 — which killed about 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 people abducted — has devastated Gaza. The Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory says tens of thousands have been killed, the majority civilians. Most of Gaza’s population has been displaced, large swaths of the territory lie in ruins, and aid agencies warn of impending famine.
Families of the roughly 50 hostages still in Gaza — around 20 of whom are believed to be alive — fear the new offensive could seal their fate. Many Israelis have protested the Gaza City takeover plan, warning it could sabotage ongoing mediation efforts.
A Strain on EU-Israel Relations
The EU’s relationship with Israel has faced unprecedented strain in recent months. Graphic images of civilian suffering have sparked large-scale protests across European capitals, from Berlin to London to Brussels. Daily reports of Palestinians killed while seeking food aid have intensified public pressure on European governments to act.
Merz’s announcement signals that even Israel’s closest allies outside the United States are now willing to leverage economic and political pressure in an effort to influence its military strategy.
The timeline for Israel’s Gaza City operation remains unclear, with military planners expected to weigh troop availability and the logistics of forcibly evacuating remaining civilians. But Germany’s export freeze adds to the growing diplomatic headwinds facing Netanyahu’s government as it moves forward with its plans.
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