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Germany has suspended the export of military equipment to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Friday, prompting a sharp rebuke from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The decision marks a significant shift in policy for Berlin, which has long been among Israel’s most steadfast allies.
It follows an Israeli plan to take control of Gaza City, which Merz said raised “deep concern” over the worsening humanitarian situation.
He warned it was “increasingly unclear” how the latest military push would help disarm Hamas or secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages.
“Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice,” Merz said.
In response, Netanyahu expressed his “disappointment” during a phone call with Merz, accusing Germany of “rewarding Hamas terrorism” instead of supporting Israel’s “just war” against the group, which he said had carried out the deadliest attack against Jews since the Holocaust.
Germany’s Central Council of Jews also criticised the move, urging the government to reverse course and increase pressure on Hamas instead.
The decision comes despite Germany’s longstanding political consensus in favour of Israel, rooted in its historical responsibility for the Holocaust. Between the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that escalated the Israeli attacks and May 2025, Berlin approved €485 million (£410 million) in defence exports to Israel, including weapons, ammunition, and armoured vehicles.
While reiterating Israel’s right to defend itself and the need to disarm Hamas, Merz stressed that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza had reached “unbearable” levels.
Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil welcomed the decision, saying it was “just” given the scale of suffering. Polling by ARD this week found 66% of Germans wanted the government to exert greater influence over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Germany has so far avoided measures such as recognising a Palestinian state or suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement but has joined other countries in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza by air.
Merz also urged Israel to ensure full access for UN agencies and to halt any moves towards annexing the West Bank, following a recent Israeli parliamentary motion in favour of such a step.
The German-Israeli Society, which promotes close ties between the two nations, condemned the suspension and warned it could jeopardise a $3.5 billion deal for Germany to purchase Israel’s Arrow-3 missile defence system.
The group suggested that if Israel retaliated by halting arms deliveries, Germany’s air defence plans could be severely affected.
