After the German government restored arms exports to Israel in late November, the number of shipments rose sharply. In one month, the federal government issued 65 export licences. This was revealed in the response to a parliamentary question from the Left party, reported by POLITICO’s industry and trade newsletter.
The answer states that from 24 November to 23 December 2025, no individual licences were granted for the final export of weapons of war, but 65 licences were issued for the final export of other defence goods to Israel. “Weapons of war” are defined on the specialised weapons list and include missiles, combat tanks, warships and submarines. “Other defence goods” encompass weapons, ammunition and dual‑use items.
Between 8 August and 23 November of the previous year, the government had halted all arms exports to Israel in response to the Israeli military offensive and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Nonetheless, other defence goods were still exported. According to the answer, 26 shipments were approved between 22 September and 23 November, and 37 shipments were approved earlier, from 1 April to 30 July.
Over a two‑year period from October 2023 to December 2025, export licences for defence goods were granted for a total value of €606 million. Of that amount, €585 892 062 was for other defence goods, and €20 142 449 was for weapons of war, as stated by State Secretary Thomas Steffen of the Ministry of Economics in the response.
