Germany to lift restrictions on arms exports to Israel

Germany will lift its partial embargo on weapons exports to Israel as of November 24, government spokesman Stefan Kornelius told dpa.

The ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in effect since October 10 is a key reason for lifting the ban. Kornelius said the ceasefire has “stabilized in recent weeks.”

The spokesman also cited efforts to achieve a lasting peace and increased humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.

The German government is set to “generally return to examining each case individually and respond to further developments” when it comes to arms exports, he said.

In early August, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a suspension of exports of arms to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip “until further notice,” marking a major shift in German foreign policy.

The move came hours after the Israeli government’s decision to expand military operations in the coastal territory.

It represented a significant departure for Berlin, which has been one of Israel’s strongest supporters since the unprecedented October 7, 2023 attacks on Israeli communities by Hamas terrorists.