Germany Halts Arms Exports to Israel Amid Legal Challenges
Germany has officially suspended licenses for new arms exports to Israel, responding to ongoing legal challenges regarding the legality of such exports under humanitarian law. This decision follows a dramatic increase in arms exports to Israel last year, which totaled 326.5 million euros ($363.5 million), a tenfold rise compared to 2022. However, this year, the approval for arms exports has significantly declined, with only 14.5 million euros worth of arms exported from January to August 21, 2023.
The German Economy Ministry has confirmed that the category of “weapons of war” accounted for a mere 33,000 euros of the total exports during this period. A senior official from the ministry stated that all arms export licenses to Israel are on hold while legal cases are resolved, including one before the International Court of Justice and another in Berlin concerning allegations of violations of humanitarian law.
International Response to Israel's Actions in Gaza
The ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza have raised international concerns, especially following reports from the Gaza health ministry indicating over 41,000 Palestinian deaths since October 7, 2023. The humanitarian crisis has prompted various nations to reevaluate their arms export policies to Israel. Recently, the UK suspended 30 of its 350 arms export licenses to Israel, citing potential violations of international humanitarian law. Similarly, a Dutch court mandated Amsterdam to halt all exports of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel, fearing they could be used against civilian targets in Gaza.
The Biden administration has also shown caution, temporarily halting some bomb exports to Israel due to concerns over their use in densely populated areas like Gaza. While arms exports of other types have continued, U.S. officials have emphasized the importance of Israel's right to self-defense.
Diverging Opinions Within the German Government
The decision to suspend arms exports has sparked divisions within the German government. While the chancellery continues to express support for Israel, the economy and foreign ministries, led by the Green Party, have become increasingly critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration. This internal conflict underscores the growing sensitivity to humanitarian concerns among European allies, as legal challenges across the continent prompt a reevaluation of military support for Israel.
Alexander Schwartz, a lawyer at the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, noted the significant drop in arms export approvals for 2024, indicating a temporary reluctance to supply arms to Israel. However, he cautioned against interpreting this as a definitive shift in policy.
In summary, the landscape of arms exports to Israel is undergoing significant changes as legal, humanitarian, and political factors converge, reflecting a complex and evolving international stance on military support amidst ongoing conflict.
