Germany approves nearly $930M in arms exports to Israel amid Gaza genocide
Germany has approved nearly €800 million in arms export licenses to Israel during the first five months of 2026, a sharp increase that has drawn renewed criticism over Berlin’s military support amid the devastating Gaza conflict.
According to figures from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Berlin authorized military exports worth €799.3 million to Israel between January and May. The amount exceeds the combined value of approvals issued during the previous 20 months.
The surge comes after Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government lifted restrictions on certain arms exports to Israel in November 2025. Germany had introduced partial restrictions several months earlier on military equipment that could potentially be used in the Gaza Strip.
A significant portion of the newly approved exports is linked to a major naval defense project. More than 60 percent of the licenses were reportedly connected to maritime military equipment, including work involving German defense company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, or TKMS.
The figures have intensified political criticism inside Germany, particularly from the opposition Left Party. Critics argue that Germany is sending contradictory signals by expressing concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza while simultaneously approving large-scale military exports to Israel.
Germany has maintained close military and political ties with Israel for decades, with successive governments citing the country’s historical responsibility following the Holocaust as a central reason for its support. The latest export figures are likely to fuel further debate over whether Berlin’s military policy is consistent with its stated concerns about the Gaza conflict.