Germany has paused approvals for arms exports to Israel, a decision drawing sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu’s office released a statement Friday evening detailing a conversation between the Prime Minister and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in which Netanyahu expressed his “disappointment” with the decision to impose an arms embargo. The statement alleges that Germany is “rewarding” Hamas terrorism instead of supporting Israel’s “just war” following what it describes as the “most brutal attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust”. Netanyahu reportedly reiterated that Israel’s objective is not to occupy Gaza, but to “liberate Gaza from Hamas” and establish a “peaceful government” there.
Merz announced Friday that Germany would, “until further notice” refrain from approving exports of arms that could be used in the Gaza Strip. This decision follows a resolution passed by the Israeli cabinet earlier this week outlining a more aggressive military approach in the coastal strip. The German government, according to Merz, sees increasingly limited clarity on how Israel intends to achieve its war objectives, given the plan-which includes the capture of Gaza City and the temporary displacement of approximately 800,000 residents.
The German government remains “deeply concerned” about the ongoing suffering of civilians in Gaza. Merz stressed that Israel, with its planned offensive, bears increasing responsibility for their provision of supplies and must enable “comprehensive access” for humanitarian aid deliveries, including for UN organizations and other non-governmental institutions. He called for Israel to “comprehensively and sustainably improve” the humanitarian situation in Gaza, following what he characterized as “correct steps” taken recently.
