Germany has halted new weapons exports to Israel as it faces ongoing legal challenges related to the humanitarian implications of such transfers, according to a Reuters analysis of data and a source close to the Economy Ministry. The freeze on arms exports [1] follows concerns raised by two legal cases arguing that exporting weapons to Israel could breach international humanitarian law.
Germany approved €326.5 million ($363.5 million) worth of arms exports to Israel in 2023, a dramatic increase from 2022. However, this year has seen a steep decline, with only €14.5 million in approvals from January to August, of which a mere €32,449 falls under the “weapons of war” category, according to data provided by the Economy Ministry.
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A source close to the ministry indicated that the approval of new export licenses has been suspended while the government deals with the legal disputes, one before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and another brought by the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR). The German government has stated that since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, no new weapons of war have been exported apart from spare parts for long-term contracts.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to rising casualties, with over 41,000 Palestinians killed and mass displacement across Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. International criticism has intensified, with allegations of genocide being brought before the World Court—claims that Israel has firmly denied.