Germany signals shift on Israel as arms policy faces scrutiny amid mounting Gaza civilian death toll

Germany has long been an ally of Israel especially since the Hamas-led massacre of southern Israeli communities on Oct. 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people – Israelis and foreign nationals – and 251 kidnapped into Gaza. However, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Monday that Israel's recent strikes on Gaza have inflicted a humanitarian toll on civilians that can no longer be justified under the pretext of combating terrorism.

"Harming the civilian population to such an extent, as has increasingly been the case in recent days, can no longer be justified as a fight against Hamas terrorism," he told broadcaster WDR in a televised interview.

With global pressure on Israel intensifying over allegations that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deteriorating, Merz has come forth with his own warnings for Israel.

According to Ynet News, he also said he intended to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week to urge him "to not overdo it," noting that, for "historical reasons," Germany would be more restrained in its criticism than some other European nations.

Speaking to Stern Magazine in an interview published on Monday, SPD Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Adis Ahmetovic stated, “German weapons must not contribute to humanitarian disasters or violations of international law. We’re demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government agree to a ceasefire and return to the negotiating table.”

While Germany agrees that Israel has a right to defend itself, a concern of several officials is where it may cross international lines morally. SPD lawmaker Isabel Cademartori cautioned that ongoing arms deliveries might leave Germany vulnerable to legal repercussions.

“Germany could be held accountable before international courts,” she said, urging the government to suspend shipments of tank shells and spare parts specifically.

Ynet reported that, according to a report from Die Welt, arms exports to Israel were down. In the first quarter of 2025, Berlin approved a total of €1.18 billion ($US1.28 billion) in global arms exports, with just €28 million ($US30.3 million) designated for Israel – placing the country 10th among recipients.

While a complete halt to arms shipments to Israel remains unlikely – since it would require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states – European Union Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas announced that the review process will, nonetheless, move forward, potentially affecting the types of military supplies Israel may receive.