Germany approved €485m in arms exports to Israel since October 2023
Since the large-scale Hamas attacks in October 2023, the German government has approved arms exports worth around €485 million ($554 million) to Israel, according to the Economy Ministry.
A letter from State Secretary Bernhard Kluttig seen by dpa shows these approvals cover the period from October 7, 2023 to May 13, 2025 and include deliveries of weapons and military equipment. It remains unclear whether the new government, which took office on May 6, has also granted export approvals.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul recently questioned further shipments in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, saying the government is reviewing whether actions in the Gaza Strip comply with international humanitarian law.
He added that future arms exports will depend on the outcome of this review.
Nicaragua filed a case at the International Court of Justice in The Hague accusing Germany of complicity in genocide through its arms exports. In April 2024, the court rejected Nicaragua’s request to halt shipments but did not dismiss the case entirely.
Ulrich Thoden, a lawmaker for the Left Party who requested the arms data from the government, called for an immediate halt to all arms exports to Israel, warning that continued deliveries could implicate Germany in violations of international law.
