EXPLAINERNews|Israel-Palestine conflictWhat has Germany’s position been on Israel’s genocide in Gaza?Germany is Israel’s second-largest arms supplier, fifth-largest export partner, and one of its staunchest supporters.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is visiting Israel for the first time since taking office in May. This visit follows Germany's decision to lift a three-month suspension on arms exports to Israel.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is visiting Israel for the first time since taking office in May. This visit follows Germany's decision to lift a three-month suspension on arms exports to Israel.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), between 2019 and 2023, the United States was the largest supplier of arms to Israel, providing 69 percent of military equipment, while Germany was the second-largest, supplying about 30 percent. Together, these two countries account for 99 percent of Israel’s arms imports.
In 2023, the German government authorised 308 military export licences to Israel, worth 326.5 million euros ($380m), a tenfold increase from 32.3 million euros ($38m) in 2022. Since 2003, Germany has sold 3.3 billion euros ($3.8bn) worth of arms to Israel, primarily exporting naval equipment, including the Sa’ar 6 corvettes, which were used to attack Gaza and enforce a naval blockade.
Israel also operates German-built Dolphin-class submarines, which are the mainstay of the Israeli Navy’s submarine fleet. Additionally, Germany has sold a wide range of smaller munitions, including the German-built “Matador” shoulder-fired rocket launcher, as well as missiles and engines for tanks and other armoured vehicles.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is visiting Israel for the first time since taking office in May.
On December 3, Israel agreed to transfer the Arrow 3 long-range anti-ballistic missile defence system to Germany. This agreement, valued at more than 3.6 billion euros ($4.2bn), includes launch systems, munitions, and radar, marking Israel’s largest-ever defence export deal.
Chancellor Merz previously suspended the issuance of weapons export licences to Israel on August 8, citing concerns over civilian tolls in Gaza. However, Germany ended the weapons export restrictions on November 24, citing stabilization in Gaza following a ceasefire. The decision remains subject to the observance of the ceasefire and the provision of humanitarian aid.
Trade Relations Between Israel and Germany
Germany is Israel’s fifth-largest export partner and its largest trading partner in Europe. In 2023, Israel exported $2.64 billion worth of goods to Germany, primarily in advanced technologies and electronics. Concurrently, Germany exported $5.5 billion worth of goods to Israel, mainly in machinery, electronics, cars, and pharmaceuticals.
Germany also actively invests in Israeli technology through venture capital, research and development collaborations, and corporate partnerships.
Germany’s Stance on Gaza at the United Nations
At the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Germany often adopts a cautious voting strategy, abstaining from some resolutions to avoid isolating Israel, while supporting others that align with its commitment to a two-state solution and international law. Since October 2023, Germany has abstained from three resolutions concerning Gaza and voted in favour of four.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
