"Germany did not approve a single new arms shipment to Israel in the five weeks after Chancellor Friedrich Merz imposed partial export restrictions, it was revealed on Thursday. Merz's policy change last month aims to block any weapons that could be used in the Gaza war, but some members of the opposition want Berlin to go further. The news that "no approvals" were granted came from the Economy Ministry in response to a query by Left Party lawmaker Ulrich Thoden."
"On August 8, Merz announced that, for the time being, no exports of military goods to Israel that could be used in the Gaza war would be approved. He was responding to the actions of the Israeli armed forces in the Gaza Strip. Up to that point, the German government had gradually increased its criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government over its treatment of Palestinians but had refrained from imposing sanctions. Netanyahu has condemned the move as "rewarding Hamas." Merz coordinated the decision with Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil but nevertheless drew criticism from some lawmakers inside his own bloc."
"In the letter, State Secretary Thomas Steffen said the government decided "on a case-by-case basis and in light of the respective situation after careful review, taking foreign and security policy considerations as well as legal requirements into account." He added that Germany "reaffirms the principles of its Israel policy and remains particularly committed to the protection of the State of Israel.""
No new German arms shipments to Israel were approved between August 8 and September 12 following Chancellor Friedrich Merz's announcement of partial export restrictions. The restrictions aim to block any military goods that could be used in the Gaza war. The Economy Ministry confirmed the absence of approvals in response to a query by Left Party lawmaker Ulrich Thoden. State Secretary Thomas Steffen said export decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, considering foreign and security policy and legal requirements, and reiterated Germany's commitment to Israel's protection. The move drew domestic criticism and condemnation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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