Germany halts new war weapons exports to Israel amid legal challenges

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Germany has temporarily stopped approving new war weapons exports to Israel in response to legal and political pressures related to humanitarian law concerns. A report by Reuters indicates that the Ministry of Economy is reviewing legal cases suggesting that such exports may breach international law. This review has resulted in a pause on the issuance of new export licenses for weapons of war.

In 2022, Germany authorized 326.5 million euros ($363.5 million) worth of arms exports to Israel. However, the approvals significantly declined in 2024, with only 14.5 million euros ($16.1 million) worth of exports approved by August. The halt has highlighted differences within the German government, where the Chancellery continues its support for Israel, while other ministries have taken a more critical stance.

The legal challenges Germany faces echo similar actions by other European nations, including the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, which have paused or restricted arms exports to Israel due to concerns about adherence to international humanitarian law.