Germany Suspends Arms Export To Israel, Netanyahu Slams Move As Reward For Hamas

Last Updated:August 09, 2025, 01:48 IST

The German chancellor reaffirmed his support for Israel’s right “to defend itself against Hamas’ terror.”

Germany’s decision marks a significant policy shift in Israel-Palestine conflict (Image: Instagram)

The Israel-Palestine conflict took a new turn on Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing plans to take full control over the Gaza Strip. His statement sparked widespread condemnation from international organisations and several foreign governments. Germany has also taken a firm stance against Israel’s ongoing military operations, announcing the suspension of arms exports that could be used in Gaza.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Friday that Berlin would no longer authorise the export of military equipment that could be deployed in the Gaza Strip. “The even harsher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, approved last night by the Israeli Security Cabinet, makes it increasingly difficult, from the German government’s perspective, to see how these goals are to be achieved," Merz said in a press release.

Despite the export suspension, the German chancellor reaffirmed his support for Israel’s right “to defend itself against Hamas’ terror," while also calling for the immediate release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The move reportedly drew a strong reaction from Netanyahu, who expressed his “disappointment" in a direct phone call with Chancellor Merz.

“Instead of supporting Israel’s just war against Hamas, which carried out the most horrific attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, Germany is rewarding Hamas terrorism by embargoing arms to Israel," AFP quoted Netanyahu’s office as saying.

Germany’s decision marks a significant policy shift, especially given that Israel has relied heavily on German defence exports since the October 2023 Hamas attack. According to German government data released in June, Germany has provided Israel with a range of military equipment, including firearms, ammunition, electronic systems, and armoured vehicles.

Berlin now joins other Western nations, such as France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, in applying diplomatic and political pressure on Israel over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. These countries have called for an immediate ceasefire and a long-term political solution, with several of them moving toward recognising Palestinian statehood.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also urged the Israeli government to reconsider its plans for an expanded military campaign in Gaza. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that Netanyahu’s plan to seize full control of Gaza would “only bring more bloodshed."

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News world Germany Suspends Arms Export To Israel, Netanyahu Slams Move As Reward For Hamas

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