Germany’s Development Minister Svenja Schulze has stated that Berlin’s future arms deliveries to Israel could depend on the unfolding situation in Gaza. Speaking to the RND media network on Friday, Schulze emphasized that Germany continues to support Israel’s right to self-defense, but with important conditions attached.
“The right to self-defense applies. But that doesn’t mean we agree with everything the Israeli government does,” Schulze said. She stressed that all arms exports from Germany are subject to strict rules and undergo thorough scrutiny. She added that decisions regarding future military assistance would be influenced by how the conflict evolves, particularly in Gaza.
The comments come amid growing international criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, where thousands have been killed and a humanitarian crisis is intensifying. Germany has historically been one of Israel’s closest allies and a significant supplier of military equipment. According to government data, in 2023 alone, Berlin approved nearly €327 million worth of arms exports to Israel.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s administration has expressed increasing concern over the scale of civilian casualties in Gaza. In recent weeks, both Green and Social Democratic Party (SPD) officials have urged a more balanced approach, especially given the rising death toll and reports of humanitarian aid obstructions.
Schulze noted that Germany’s official policy includes exporting weapons only under the principles of international law and human rights. She stressed that while solidarity with Israel remains firm, “blind support” is not part of the government’s stance.
This marks a shift in rhetoric from the early days of the conflict, when Berlin strongly backed Israel’s military campaign in response to Hamas’s attack last October. In recent weeks, however, Germany has joined other European countries in calling for greater efforts to protect civilians and allow unimpeded humanitarian access into Gaza.
The debate around military exports to Israel has intensified as several countries, including Canada and Spain, have begun reassessing their defense trade relations with Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, the European Union has urged all parties to resume ceasefire negotiations and uphold international humanitarian norms.
Israel has not publicly commented on Schulze’s remarks. However, Israeli officials have previously defended their military operations as necessary to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure and ensure national security.
Germany’s arms export policy has traditionally been cautious, with each shipment requiring approval from the Federal Security Council, a secretive body made up of top government officials. The current war has tested that framework, prompting debate within the government over whether existing approvals should be reconsidered.
Schulze’s remarks are expected to fuel further discussion in the Bundestag and among Germany’s European allies regarding the country’s responsibilities and moral obligations in the face of protracted conflict in the Middle East.
Source; Reuters
