Germany approved arms exports to Israel worth €6.6 million (approximately $7.8 million) during the early weeks of the Iran conflict, according to official government data.
The approvals covered the period from February 28, when Israeli and US forces launched strikes on Iran, through March 27, based on a response from the German Economy Ministry to inquiries by the Left Party.
Despite the approvals, the overall volume of exports remained relatively limited. The shipments consisted primarily of “other military equipment” and did not include heavy weaponry such as tanks or artillery.
By comparison, Germany authorized €166.95 million in arms exports over roughly four months after lifting restrictions imposed during the Gaza conflict in November 2025.
Arms exports to Israel remain a politically sensitive issue in Germany. Following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, Berlin initially increased military support for Israel. However, amid mounting criticism over Israel’s actions in Gaza, Chancellor Friedrich Merz ordered a halt in August 2025 to exports of military equipment that could be used in the conflict.
The partial ban drew criticism both in Israel and within Germany’s ruling conservative bloc but was lifted after approximately three and a half months following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Even during the restriction period, export licenses totaling €10.44 million were approved, the ministry said, underscoring the complexity of Germany’s balancing act between political pressure and strategic commitments.
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