Germany approves €6.6 million in arms exports to Israel

Germany approved arms export licenses to Israel worth €6.6 million between February 28 and March 27, according to government data cited by the German newspaper Haaretz. The period coincided with rising military tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.

The figures were disclosed in responses from Germany’s Ministry for Economic Affairs to a parliamentary inquiry submitted by the Left Party (Die Linke). Officials indicated that the approved exports largely consisted of “other military equipment,” rather than heavy weaponry such as tanks or artillery systems.

The relatively modest volume of recent approvals contrasts with a significant increase in exports following the partial easing of restrictions in November 2025. Since then, Germany has authorized arms shipments to Israel totaling approximately €166.95 million over several months.

Arms exports to Israel remain a politically sensitive issue in Berlin. In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, Germany initially expanded its military support for Israel. However, growing international criticism over Israel’s military operations in Gaza prompted the government to introduce partial export restrictions.

Those limitations were later relaxed following a ceasefire agreement, allowing for a gradual resumption and expansion of export approvals.

The latest figures highlight Germany’s continued balancing act between its longstanding support for Israel and mounting domestic and international scrutiny over arms transfers in the context of ongoing regional conflict.

By Sabina Mammadli