Germany Halts Weapons Supply to Israel for Gaza Attacks
Germany has decided to stop supplying military weapons to Israel that could be used in their aggression against Gaza, following Israel’s announcement to expand their offensive and bring Gaza under full Israeli control.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s sudden decision is believed to be a result of pressure from German citizens and coalition government partners against Israel, due to the ongoing attacks on Gaza and the humanitarian crisis caused by the blockade.
In a statement, Chancellor Scholz noted that Israel’s decision to bring Gaza under full control would make it difficult to achieve the stated objectives of their offensive in Gaza.
Germany is the second-largest supplier of weapons to Israel after the United States and is also one of Israel’s strongest’s strongest allies.
However, a poll conducted in June showed that 73% of Germans want stricter arms export policies, with 30% opposing any arms exports at all.
German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Christian Lindner called the decision to suspend arms exports a good one, describing the humanitarian situation in Gaza as unbearable.
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute stated that Germany supplied 30% of Israel’s imported weapons between 2019 and 2023, including warships. These weapons are being used in Israel’s attacks on Gaza since October 7, 2023, which are seen as an attempt to ethnically cleanse Gaza’s population.
The German parliament reported in June that export licenses worth $564 million for military equipment to Israel were approved between October 7, 2023, and May 13, 2025. Germany’s weapons exports to Israel have increased tenfold since October 7. Human rights organizations have filed legal cases arguing that German-supplied weapons are likely being used in Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza civilians, though none of these cases have been successful so far.
Scholz stated that the main objectives behind Germany’s decision are to free the hostages held by Hamas, reach a ceasefire agreement, and improve the situation for Gaza’s residents. He also urged Israel not to seize additional Palestinian territories in the occupied West Bank.
