Germany did not authorize any new arms exports to Israel during the five weeks following Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s implementation of partial export restrictions, according to reports released Thursday.

Since Merz declared a partial suspension this summer, Germany has not authorized any new arms exports to Israel, effectively reducing permit approvals to zero, exceeding the limitations initially outlined in his pledge.

In early August, Merz announced that Germany would stop granting licenses for weapons deemed ‘clearly usable in Gaza,’ indicating that other exports, like spare parts or systems not directly linked to combat, could continue. However, as reported by Politico, a parliamentary inquiry led by parliamentarian Ulrich Thoden revealed that Germany’s economy ministry confirmed no export licenses of any kind were approved between August 8 and September 12.

Meanwhile, State Secretary Thomas Steffen stated that the government makes decisions on a case-by-case basis, carefully reviewing each situation while considering foreign and security policy factors, along with legal requirements. He also emphasized that Germany upholds the core principles of its policy toward Israel and remains firmly committed to ensuring the security of the Israeli state.

Although the chancellor framed the move as a targeted restriction, it has effectively resulted in a broader freeze, indicating that ministries are taking a cautious approach and withholding approvals.

Germany has long been one of Israel’s main defense partners in Europe. This revelation comes after a previous inquiry by the same far-left party, which showed that Germany had authorized arms exports to Israel totaling approximately €251 million between early 2024 and mid-2025.

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