Germany Approves Military Exports to Israel Despite Restrictions

SadaNews - Germany has approved arms exports to Israel worth no less than 2.46 million euros ($2.9 million) since it partially suspended military equipment exports, according to a response from the Federal Ministry of Economics to a parliamentary inquiry submitted by the Left Party bloc.

The Federal Ministry of Economics stated that the shipments pertain to "other military materials" and do not include war weapons.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz ordered on August 8 a temporary suspension of military equipment exports that could be used in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a step considered a shift in Germany's policy toward Israel following the escalation of Israeli military operations.

Prior to that, Berlin had gradually intensified its criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, but it refrained from imposing sanctions.

During the first five weeks of the suspension, no export approvals were granted. However, the current approvals, which cover the period up to September 22, show that shipments worth 2.46 million euros occurred between September 13 and 22.

In comparison, the value of export licenses to Israel from January 1 to August 8, 2025, was approximately 250 million euros.

The nature of the exported goods remains unclear, as the ministry listed 8 categories including missiles, torpedoes, warships, and naval equipment, but since these exports are not classified as war weapons and their total value is relatively small, they are likely to consist of accessories or equipment.

Israel criticized the partial decision, with Netanyahu accusing Germany of rewarding Hamas for "terrorism," expressing his disappointment directly to Chancellor Merz.