German authorities announced on Monday that they will lift restrictions placed in August on arms exports to Israel, with this decision taking effect as of 24 November. [Arab News +2].
Government Spokesman Sebastian Hille announced that this move comes in light of a ceasefire in Gaza which has held since 10 October and which he described as having been fundamentally stabilised, Al Jazeera reported.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz had earlier implemented the embargo, in response to Israel’s plans for an offensive in Gaza City in August. Berlin announced at that time it would not approve any military exports destined for use there “until further notice”.
Reuters
Hille reiterated in Monday’s statement that any arms exports would be reviewed case-by-case, in accordance with Germany’s standard export policy, before deliveries could resume. Future deliveries were dependent on continued adherence to a ceasefire, proper humanitarian access and orderly aid operations, Hille said. Al Jazeera reported on this matter.
Germany’s decision underscores its complex foreign policy balancing act: upholding its historic commitment to Israel while responding to domestic and international concerns over humanitarian effects of Gaza war. Germany has historically considered protecting Israel as part of its “Staatsraison” (reason of state) due to historical responsibility.
According to The Guardian newspaper.
Analysts note that until recently Germany was one of Israel’s primary arms suppliers, accounting for approximately 30% of major arms imports between 2019-2023.
Wikipedia
Germany witnessed a heated political debate surrounding Germany’s embargo of Gaza: domestically it met both support and criticism from parties and stakeholders divided on Germany’s role in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The Washington Post
Israel may well welcome Germany’s move, as Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar applauded their decision and called on other governments to follow Berlin’s example. Al Jazeera reported:
However, human rights and pro-Palestinian advocacy organisations remain wary. They note that Germany’s decision to resume arms exports so soon after an interim cease-fire could undermine its credibility as an upholder of international humanitarian norms and lead to renewed conflict. One key question remains as regards whether Berlin’s oversight mechanisms can ensure weapons do not violate human rights or further escalate conflict.

Timing of Germany’s temporary halt demonstrates how quickly geopolitical calculations can shift. Berlin made clear that their initial embargo was conditional upon Israel implementing their plans in Gaza and providing humanitarian safeguards, respectively.
Watchers of German defense export licenses will closely observe how many are approved, what types of military equipment is involved and how firmly Germany enforces its internal review criteria. While Germany’s case-by-case approach provides flexibility, it also places demanding demands on transparency and accountability.

Germany’s decision to lift export restrictions against Israel represents a dramatic policy reversal and highlights Berlin’s strategic importance for Jerusalem. At the same time, however, it raises complex issues surrounding how Germany reconciles arms-export controls with humanitarian concerns and historical roles – these challenges will only become clearer over time and in coming weeks and months as to how consistently Germany applies export norms and maintains diplomatic balance in this new diplomatic climate.