According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Germany provided 30 per cent of Israel’s major arms imports in 2019-2023, primarily naval equipment including Sa’ar 6-class frigates (MEKO A-100 Light Frigates), which have been used in the Gaza war.
Merz said the release of hostages and ceasefire negotiations were Germany’s top priorities, along with civilian suffering. He also urged the Israeli government not to take any further steps towards annexing parts of the West Bank.
Loading
Far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition have been pushing for a total takeover of Gaza, though the military has warned this could jeopardise the lives of surviving hostages.
Germany’s parliament reported in June that export licences for 485 million euros ($866 million) of military equipment for Israel had been granted between the day of the Hamas attack that triggered the Gaza war, October 7, 2023, and May 13, 2025.
In the months after the Hamas attack, Germany increased its arms exports to Israel roughly tenfold. Human rights groups launched legal challenges, saying the weapons could be used in the Gaza war, but none has succeeded so far.
Reuters
Get a note direct from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here.
- For more: Elrisala website and for social networking, you can follow us on Facebook
- Source of information and images “brisbanetimes”“
