Germany Halts War Weapon Exports to Israel Amid Legal Hurdles
Germany has paused the approval of new war weapon exports to Israel amid ongoing legal challenges. Approvals have sharply declined in 2023, with only 14.5 million euros' worth sanctioned by August 21. Other countries, including Britain and the Netherlands, have also curtailed arms shipments to Israel over humanitarian concerns.
Germany has paused the approval of new war weapon exports to Israel amid ongoing legal challenges, according to an analysis of data and a source from the Economy Ministry.
In 2022, Germany approved arms exports to Israel worth 326.5 million euros, a significant increase from the previous year.
However, approvals have sharply declined in 2023, with only 14.5 million euros' worth sanctioned by August 21, and a mere 32,449 euros categorized as 'weapons of war.' The halt follows legal disputes asserting that Germany's arms exports to Israel breach humanitarian law.
In response to parliamentary inquiries, the German government confirmed no war weapons have been exported since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, except for spare parts for long-term contracts.
This suspension aligns with similar actions by other countries like Britain and the Netherlands, which have also curtailed arms shipments to Israel over humanitarian concerns.