German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Monday his country will restart weapons transfers to Israel starting November 24, reversing an August decision to freeze all arms exports.
In his August statement, Chancellor Merz explained, "The intensified military action by the IDF in the Gaza Strip, approved by the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet, makes it harder in the German government's view to achieve a ceasefire and free the hostages. Under these circumstances, Germany will not approve any export of military equipment that can be used in Gaza until further notice."
I welcome Chancellor Merz's move to revoke the decision regarding the partial "embargo".
I call on other governments to adopt similar decisions, following Germany— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) November 17, 2025
Germany is considered a key arms supplier for Israel, and the scope of defense exports from Germany has grown significantly in recent years – particularly after the October 7 events. Germany has previously supplied Israel with shells, spare parts for tanks and armored personnel carriers, explosives, small arms, and equipment for warships. Israel has purchased submarines and warships manufactured by German shipyards. Additionally, Germany has previously supplied Israel with engines for tanks and armored vehicles manufactured by the Israeli defense industry.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar welcomed the German chancellor's decision to restart arms exports to Israel and urged other governments to follow Germany's example: "I welcome Chancellor Merz's move to revoke the decision regarding the partial 'embargo'. I call on other governments to adopt similar decisions, following Germany," the minister said in a post on X.
