New figures show that Germany’s export of arms to Israel has drastically increased since August, with a much higher figure than previously reported for the year. The government approved exports worth €94 million since August alone, contradicting earlier reports of €45 million worth of arms exports approved for the entire year up to October 13. These new numbers were made available in response to a query from an MP of the left-wing nationalist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance. The German government was accused of blocking arms export permits to Israel, particularly as Israel expanded its military campaign in the Gaza Strip. The Christian Democratic Union accused the government of blocking export applications from arms companies entirely.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz denied claims that his ruling coalition had stopped approving arms exports to Israel, stating that “we have delivered weapons, and we will deliver weapons.” Legal questions have emerged over Germany’s continued delivery of arms to Israel, with Nicaragua accusing Germany of breaching the United Nations genocide convention by sending arms to Israel. In June, a group of Palestinians brought a lawsuit to a court in Berlin in an attempt to force Germany to stop arms exports to Israel, but their case was rejected by the court. Members of Scholz’ coalition have defended the weapons deliveries, stating they are in line with international law and must be examined on an individual basis.
Germany’s arms exports to Israel account for a significant portion of Israel’s total imports of conventional arms, with Germany being responsible for 47% of them in 2023, second only to the US. These figures raise concerns about the involvement of Germany in supplying arms to Israel amid ongoing conflicts in the region. The government has faced criticism for its handling of arms export permits and accusations of blocking applications from arms companies entirely, despite claims to the contrary from government officials. The controversy surrounding Germany’s arms exports to Israel highlights the complex nature of international arms trade and the ethical considerations involved.
The situation in Israel, including the military campaign in the Gaza Strip and the fight against the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, has intensified calls for scrutiny of arms exports to the region. Germany’s role in providing arms to Israel has come under particular scrutiny, with questions raised about the legality and ethics of these transactions. The government’s approval of a significant increase in arms exports to Israel since August, as well as conflicting reports about the total amount approved for the year, further fuel the debate surrounding arms sales to conflict zones.
The issue of arms exports to Israel has sparked legal challenges and accusations of human rights violations, with claims of breaching international conventions and concerns about the impact of weapons sales on conflict dynamics in the region. Critics argue that Germany’s arms exports to Israel contribute to the perpetuation of violence and instability in the Middle East, while proponents defend these exports as necessary for maintaining security and defense capabilities. The ongoing controversy surrounding Germany’s arms exports to Israel underscores the complexities and challenges of regulating the global arms trade and balancing national security interests with ethical considerations.
As Germany grapples with allegations of blocking arms export permits to Israel and faces legal challenges over its weapons deliveries, the debate over the country’s role in supplying arms to conflict zones continues to unfold. The government’s assertion that arms exports to Israel are in line with international law and must be examined on a case-by-case basis reflects the balancing act between security concerns and human rights considerations. The controversy surrounding Germany’s arms exports to Israel sheds light on the complexities of the arms trade and the ethical dilemmas faced by countries involved in supplying weapons to conflict-affected regions.
