Germany to lift curbs on arms exports to Israel, in reversal of foreign policy
The decision was based on a stabilised ceasefire with Hamas, and the flow of humanitarian aid, a government spokesman said
Germany will lift its partial embargo on weapons exports to Israel as of November 24, reversing a decision taken in August in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said that the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has been in effect since October 10, was a key reason for lifting the ban.
Kornelius said the ceasefire had “stabilised in recent weeks”.
The spokesman also cited efforts to achieve a lasting peace and increase the flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
The German government was set to “generally return to examining each case individually and respond to further developments” when it comes to arms exports, he said.
In early August, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a suspension of exports of arms to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip “until further notice”, marking a major shift in German foreign policy.
The move came hours after the Israeli government’s decision to expand military operations in Gaza, and marked a significant departure for Berlin, which has been one of Israel’s strongest supporters since the unprecedented October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas terrorists.