Germany Halts New Arms Export Licenses to Israel Following August Decision

Germany has halted the approval of new arms exports to Israel following Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s decision in August to restrict military shipments to the country.

An official response from the Ministry of Economic Affairs confirmed that no new export licenses were issued between August 8 and September 12. The reply, signed by State Secretary Thomas Steffen and addressed to Left Party lawmaker Ulrich Thoden, said each application is reviewed individually, taking into account legal, political, and security factors.

Despite the pause, the government reiterated its “special commitment” to Israel’s security, calling it a cornerstone of German foreign policy.

Merz announced the suspension on August 8, covering any military equipment that could be deployed in operations in Gaza. Government figures show that in the first five weeks of the new administration, approvals were limited to €3.99 million worth of equipment, none of it classified as combat weapons.

The move represents a shift from the previous government under Olaf Scholz, which sharply increased arms deliveries to Israel after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks. Between then and the cabinet’s resignation in May 2025, Berlin approved nearly half a billion euros in exports.

The policy change has sparked debate at home. Germany’s Left Party is pushing for a permanent ban on arms sales to Israel, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the decision as “a reward for terrorism.”