Germany has long maintained a complex and controversial position regarding Israel, especially amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As one of Israel’s staunchest allies, Germany is Israel’s second-largest arms supplier, its fifth-largest export partner, and a key supporter in international diplomacy. However, recent events and debates over Israel’s military actions in Gaza have put Germany’s policies under intense scrutiny.
German Leadership and Visits to Israel
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Israel for the first time since assuming office in May 2025. His trip comes shortly after Germany lifted a three-month suspension on arms exports to Israel, a decision that has sparked criticism from human rights groups and international observers.
Merz has stated that he does not consider Israel’s actions in Gaza to constitute genocide. During his visit, he was scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss bilateral relations, the ceasefire in Gaza, and broader regional security issues.
Germany as an Arms Supplier to Israel
Germany’s military support for Israel is significant. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), between 2019 and 2023, the United States supplied 69% of Israel’s military equipment, while Germany supplied approximately 30%. Together, these two countries account for nearly 99% of Israel’s arms imports.
Between 2019 and 2023, Germany authorized numerous military export licenses to Israel, including naval equipment such as the Sa’ar 6 corvettes, which have been used in operations in Gaza. German-built Dolphin-class submarines form the backbone of Israel’s submarine fleet, while smaller munitions, such as the Matador shoulder-fired rocket launcher, missiles, and tank engines, have been supplied over the years.
In 2023, Germany issued 308 military export licenses worth €326.5 million ($380 million), a tenfold increase compared to 2022. Since 2003, total arms sales from Germany to Israel have exceeded €3.3 billion ($3.8 billion).
The Resumption of Arms Exports: Controversy and Criticism
In August 2025, Chancellor Merz suspended arms exports to Israel, citing concern over the humanitarian toll in Gaza. He emphasized that Germany could no longer ignore civilian suffering while supporting Israel’s right to self-defense.
Israel condemned the suspension, with Prime Minister Netanyahu claiming it undermined Israel’s security and rewarded Hamas. By November 24, Germany resumed arms exports, citing stabilization in Gaza following a temporary ceasefire. German authorities stressed that this decision depended on adherence to the ceasefire and ongoing humanitarian aid provisions.
Despite this, hostilities have continued in Gaza, with Israeli attacks reportedly killing hundreds of Palestinians and violating the ceasefire. Humanitarian aid remains restricted, with only a fraction of necessary supplies entering Gaza.
Trade and Economic Relations Between Germany and Israel
Germany is not only a major arms supplier but also one of Israel’s most important economic partners. In 2023, Israel exported $2.64 billion worth of goods to Germany, primarily in advanced technology and electronics, while Germany exported $5.5 billion worth of goods to Israel, including machinery, cars, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
Germany also invests heavily in Israeli technology through venture capital, research collaborations, and corporate partnerships with major firms such as Siemens and Bayer. This multifaceted economic relationship underscores Germany’s deep ties with Israel beyond military cooperation.
Germany’s Domestic Response to the Israel-Palestine Conflict
In Germany, public reaction to the conflict has been highly polarized. Since the October 7, 2023 attacks, there have been over 800 protests related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, with the majority supporting Palestinian rights. Nevertheless, German authorities have cracked down on pro-Palestine demonstrations and banned events seen as critical of Israel, highlighting tensions between civil liberties and foreign policy considerations.
Germany also does not plan to officially recognize a Palestinian state, despite several European nations doing so in 2025, reflecting a longstanding alignment with Israeli interests in the region.
Germany’s Voting Record on Gaza at the UN
Germany’s voting record at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) demonstrates a careful balancing act. Often described as a “special relationship” with Israel, Germany tends to abstain from resolutions that might isolate Israel, while supporting initiatives aligned with international law and the two-state solution.
Since October 2023, Germany has participated in at least seven UNGA resolutions concerning Gaza, abstaining from three and voting in favor of four. This measured approach underscores Germany’s historical responsibility toward Israel, rooted in the Holocaust and post-World War II reparations agreements.
Conclusion: Germany Between Diplomacy, Arms, and Ethics
Germany’s position on Israel’s actions in Gaza reflects a complex interplay of historical responsibility, strategic alliances, and humanitarian concerns. While it continues to support Israel militarily, politically, and economically, Germany faces growing criticism for not doing enough to protect Palestinian civilians and for suppressing domestic advocacy for Palestinian rights.
As tensions in Gaza persist, Germany’s role remains pivotal in shaping European and international responses to the conflict, raising questions about the balance between national interests, ethical foreign policy, and humanitarian obligations.
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