Germany Will Start Re-Exporting Weapons To Israel After Temporarily Banning It Over Israel’s Genocide
The decision affected only weapons and systems that could be used in Gaza, meaning Germany still exported to Israel other military systems that are used elsewhere, such as in the occupied West Bank.
Germany, Israel's second biggest ally after the US, has announced it is resuming exporting weapons to Israel after temporarily banning it over Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
Germany had announced on Aug. 8 that it was halting the export of all military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza after the Israeli government approved prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to fully take over Gaza.
The decision affected only weapons and systems that could be used in Gaza, meaning Germany still exported to Israel other military systems that are used elsewhere, such as in the occupied West Bank.
Germany is the second biggest exporter of arms to Israel after the US, and supplied 33% of Israel's arms imports between 2020 and 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Most of the exports were naval equipment, including frigates or warships, that have been used in Israel's genocide in Gaza, according to Reuters.
On Monday, Nov. 17, the government spokesperson Sebastian Hille said in a press conference the government will lift the ban and resume on Tuesday, Nov. 25 exports of weapons that could be used in Gaza to Israel.
“The background to this is that we have always said here that we would review this practice in light of developments on the ground, and we have had a ceasefire in Gaza since Oct.10," Hille said.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar hailed Germany’s decision on X.
"I call on other governments to adopt similar decisions, following Germany," he wrote.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the decision, in which his ministry was closely involved, was "responsible and correct" and that the ceasefire appeared to be sustainable.
Kassy Cho
Cherry Mohamed
