Germany has announced that it will lift its suspension on certain weapons sales to Israel starting November 24, a pause that had been in place since August due to the Gaza war. The suspension covered arms and systems that could be used in Gaza, though equipment deemed essential for Israel’s external defence was still allowed. Berlin, one of Israel’s key arms suppliers after the United States, had faced strong domestic pressure over its decision to halt exports.

The German government said the resumption of sales depends on Israel maintaining the current ceasefire with Hamas and ensuring the continued large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Officials stressed that all future arms deals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and closely monitored in line with developments on the ground. Germany reaffirmed its commitment to supporting long-term peace efforts and backing reconstruction in Gaza under a two-state framework.

The reversal drew mixed reactions: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised the move and urged other nations to follow, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz previously faced criticism from his own conservative bloc for the partial suspension. Germany has historically been one of Israel’s strongest supporters due to its responsibilities stemming from the Holocaust and supplied around 30% of Israel’s major arms imports between 2019 and 2023, including naval frigates used in the Gaza conflict.

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