Government data revealed that Germany approved arms exports to Israel valued at €6.6 million ($7.8 million) during the initial weeks of the war on Iran, though the volume remained relatively low.
اضافة اعلان
According to responses from the German Ministry of Economy to inquiries from the "Left" Party, the approvals covered the period from February 28—when Israeli and U.S. forces launched strikes on Iran—until March 27.
Comparative Data and Export Restrictions
By comparison, export licenses worth €166.95 million were granted during the four-month period following Germany’s decision to lift restrictions (initially imposed during the Gaza war) on November 24, 2025. These exports did not include heavy weaponry such as tanks or artillery, but were categorized as "other military equipment."
Political Context and Evolution of Stance
Arms exports to Israel remain a sensitive issue for the German government:
Initial Support: Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, Germany initially increased supplies in support of Israel.
The 2025 Suspension: In August 2025, amid escalating criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza, Chancellor Friedrich Merz ordered a halt on military equipment exports that could be used in the conflict.
Lifting the Ban: This partial ban, which drew criticism from Israel and Germany’s ruling conservative camp, was lifted approximately three and a half months later, following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The Ministry noted that even during the period of restrictions, export licenses worth €10.44 million were approved.
Source: DPA
