Germany has decided to stop approving new arms exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza. This comes after Israel announced plans to fully take over the territory following nearly two years of fighting with Hamas.
“We cannot deliver weapons into a conflict that is now being pursued exclusively by military means,” Merz said in an interview with public broadcaster ARD on Sunday. “We want to help diplomatically, and we are doing so.”
Earlier this week, Israel’s cabinet approved the Gaza takeover plan despite warnings from its military that the operation could endanger hostages and worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. The move drew criticism from Israeli opposition leaders, hostage families, and foreign governments including the United Nations, China, Russia, and Britain.
In the interview, Merz warned that expanding Israel’s operations in Gaza could result in hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths and require evacuating the entire city.
“Where are these people supposed to go?” Merz asked. “We can’t do that, we won’t do that, and I will not do that.”
Germany is Israel’s second-largest weapons supplier. Despite the suspension, Merz said Germany’s overall policy toward Israel remains unchanged. “Germany has stood firmly by Israel’s side for 80 years. That will not change,” he said.
According to an Israeli statement, Merz spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, during which Netanyahu reportedly expressed disappointment over Germany’s decision. Netanyahu also accused Germany of “rewarding Hamas terrorism.”
We are not going to occupy Gaza – we are going to free Gaza from Hamas.
Gaza will be demilitarized, and a peaceful civilian administration will be established, one that is not the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas, and not any other terrorist organization.
This will help free…
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) August 8, 2025
Netanyahu earlier said Israel will not occupy Gaza but instead aims to “free Gaza from Hamas.” He added that Gaza will be demilitarized and a peaceful civilian administration will be set up after the takeover.
