Germany lifts partial ban on arms exports to Israel.

Arab Sea Newspaper - News Updates

The German government has announced the lifting of restrictions on the export of certain weapons to Israel, effective November 24, 2025, after they were suspended last August during Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip. Government spokesman Sebastian Heil said that the decision to lift the restrictions is based on the current ceasefire, noting the need for all parties to adhere to the agreements concluded, including the continuation of the ceasefire and the provision of humanitarian aid in an organized manner. Israel immediately welcomed the decision, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar writing on X: "I welcome Chancellor Friedrich Merz's move to lift the partial ban, and I call on other governments to take similar steps." Germany, the second-largest arms supplier to Israel after the United States, suspended last summer arms exports that could be used in Gaza, amid mounting public pressure due to military operations, with a poll published in September showing that 62% of Germans believe that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide.