Germany Freezes Military Equipment Exports to Israel Over Gaza Offensive

Germany announced Friday it will halt all exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza “until further notice,” Chancellor Friedrich Merz said. The decision follows swiftly after Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet approved a takeover of Gaza City.

The suspension marks a rare step for Germany, which has traditionally avoided the stronger measures taken by some of its European Union partners. It is expected to deepen Israel’s isolation following criticism from the United Nations, humanitarian organizations, and families of hostages still held in Gaza.

Germany, alongside the United States and Italy, is one of Israel’s main foreign suppliers of military hardware. This pause adds to the growing list of European nations enacting economic, military, and diplomatic measures against Israel in response to the nearly two-year Gaza conflict.

Merz reiterated in a statement that Israel “has the right to defend itself against Hamas’ terror” and stressed that freeing hostages and pursuing serious ceasefire negotiations are “our top priority.” He added that Hamas must have no role in Gaza’s future.

“The even harsher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, approved by the Israeli Cabinet last night, makes it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals will be achieved,” Merz said. “Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice.” The government did not specify which equipment would be affected.

Merz emphasized that Berlin remains concerned about the humanitarian situation. “With the planned offensive, the Israeli government bears even greater responsibility than before for providing for their needs,” he said. He urged Israel to grant full access to aid groups, including U.N. agencies, and to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis comprehensively.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Germany was Israel’s second-largest arms supplier last year, after the U.S., providing about 30% of its defense imports — mostly naval armaments. SIPRI researcher Zain Hussain believes the halt will be temporary. “This is going to be a limited measure,” he told the Associated Press. “Germany has been committed to providing Israel with arms, especially with ships.”

German-made engines are used in Israel’s Merkava tanks and Namer armored personnel carriers, both deployed in Gaza, and German-built Sa’ar corvettes have shelled targets during the war.

Elsewhere in Europe, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on X that Israel’s extended Gaza operations “must be reconsidered” and repeated calls for more aid access. Dutch and Danish foreign ministers labeled Israel’s escalation “wrong” and voiced concern for civilians.

Before the Gaza City takeover plan, Slovenia became the first EU member to fully ban weapons trade with Israel over the conflict. Last month, two dozen mostly European nations condemned Israel’s restrictions on aid and the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians seeking food.

The U.K. has also suspended certain weapons exports to Israel over legal concerns, though the impact was limited. Meanwhile, public anger over Gaza has surged, fueling large protests across European capitals.