Germany has approved arms exports worth nearly €485 million ($554 million) to Israel since the start of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023, amid ongoing debate over whether to suspend deliveries.

Figures from the Economy Ministry, seen by dpa, show approvals since October, though it’s unclear if they include shipments authorised by the new government, which took office on May 6, 2025.

Following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, Germany has been a vocal supporter of Israel and hesitant to criticise its military actions in Gaza despite widespread international condemnation.

However, recently Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul publicly condemned Israel’s latest Gaza offensive and restrictions on humanitarian aid, sparking renewed debate on arms exports.

Mr Wadephul stated the government is reviewing whether Israeli actions comply with international humanitarian law, but some CDU/CSU leaders, including Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, oppose suspending deliveries.

On Tuesday, CDU lawmaker Steffen Bilger said the party’s executive committee agreed with Mr Wadephul on voicing “criticism of Israel among friends” but rejected any talk of arms embargoes or sanctions.

Meanwhile, a poll by INSA for Avaaz showed 58 per cent of Germans support temporarily halting arms exports to Israel, 22 per cent oppose it, and 19 per cent were undecided. The survey of 1,001 people was conducted between May 28 and 30.

(dpa/NAN)