Since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Germany has approved arms exports to Israel worth nearly €500 million, sparking widespread controversy and legal challenges.
اضافة اعلان
According to a German Ministry of Economy response to a parliamentary inquiry by the Left Party, between October 7, 2023, and May 13, 2025, Berlin authorized the export of military weapons and equipment valued at €485.1 million to Israel.
The response—signed by State Secretary Bernhard Kluitsch and obtained by Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa)—did not clarify whether the newly installed German government (a coalition of the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats) had issued further licenses after assuming office on May 6, 2025.
Review of Arms Policy
Germany's new Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul recently cast doubt on the continuation of arms exports to Israel. In an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, he said such exports are under review to assess compatibility with international humanitarian law, particularly in light of Israeli actions in Gaza.
“This review will determine whether what is happening in Gaza complies with international humanitarian law,” Wadephul stated.
“Based on that, we will decide whether further arms deliveries are appropriate.”
When asked if the review could result in halting exports altogether, he affirmed:
“That is exactly what the wording implies.”
Legal and Political Challenges
The issue remains legally contentious, as Nicaragua has filed a case against Germany at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, accusing Berlin of complicity in genocide in Gaza due to its arms shipments. In April 2024, ICJ judges rejected an emergency request to halt the deliveries but did not dismiss the case, allowing the proceedings to continue.
Domestic Backlash
Ulrich Thoden, defense policy expert from the Left Party, called for an immediate halt to all arms shipments to Israel:
“Otherwise, Germany risks being found complicit in crimes prosecutable under international law.”
The case continues to stir legal, political, and ethical debate both within Germany and on the international stage.
