Germany slashes arms exports to Israel
- Germany has reduced arms export approvals to Israel significantly since the conflict with Hamas began.
- In 2022, Germany issued military export permits worth €327 million, but only €32,449 has been approved in 2023.
- This shift indicates a change in Germany's defense export policy amid legal challenges and increased scrutiny.
Since the onset of the conflict with Hamas following the October 7 attacks, Germany has drastically reduced its arms export approvals to Israel. The German defense industry, which has historically been a significant supplier to Israel, providing around 30% of its military imports, has seen a sharp decline in export permits. In 2022, Germany issued permits for military products valued at €327 million, including €30 million in armaments like anti-tank rockets and ammunition. However, in 2023, the German economics ministry reported only €32,449 in approved weaponry sales and €14.4 million in other military goods. This reduction reflects a shift in Germany's defense export policy amid ongoing legal challenges and heightened scrutiny of arms sales to conflict zones. The implications of this decision may affect Israel's military capabilities and its reliance on German military supplies, potentially altering the dynamics of defense cooperation between the two nations.