benjamin netanyahu

Germany has taken a big decision regarding Israel. Now Germany will sell military equipment to Israel. The German government announced on Monday that it was lifting its restrictions on the export of military equipment to Israel, just weeks after a ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas group.

After the conflict between Hamas and Gaza began, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in early August that Berlin would not allow the export of any military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza, “until further notice.” This decision was taken in response to the Israeli Cabinet’s decision to take control of Gaza City.

Restrictions will be lifted on 24th November

Merz spokesperson Sebastian Hille said that these restrictions will be removed from November 24. “A ceasefire has been in place in Gaza since October 10 and the situation has stabilized. That’s why this decision has been taken,” Hille said at a regular government press conference.

He added, “We expect everyone to abide by the agreements that have been agreed—including maintaining the ceasefire, providing large-scale humanitarian assistance, and continuing the process in an orderly manner.” Hille said that once the restrictions are lifted, Germany will examine military exports on a case-by-case basis, as is its normal practice with such exports.

Israel welcomed the decision

Germany took this decision in August. However, there are good relations between Israel and Germany and Germany is considered a strong ally of Israel. Germany had become a country which, despite being an ally of Israel, had banned exports. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed this on Monday and posted on social media handle

How much does Israel buy from Germany?

Israel imports about 70% of its military capability from the US, the world’s largest arms exporter. Germany is Israel’s second largest supplier. Italy is in third place, supplying less than 1% of Israel’s military material.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Germany provided 30% of Israel’s main arms imports between 2019 and 2023. Germany’s exported military equipment consisted mainly of naval equipment, such as the Saar 6-class frigates, which were used in the attack on Gaza.