Germany approved €6.6m Israel arms exports during Iran war

Germany approved arms exports to Israel worth €6.6 million in the first weeks of the Iran war, government data showed, though the volume remained relatively low, reported dpa.

The approvals covered the period from February 28, when Israeli and US forces launched strikes on Iran, to March 27, according to responses from the Economy Ministry to queries by The Left party.

By comparison, export licences worth €166.95 million were granted in the roughly four months after Germany lifted restrictions imposed during the Gaza war on November 24, 2025. These did not include heavy weapons such as tanks or artillery, but "other military equipment."

Arms exports to Israel have been a sensitive issue for the government. Following the October 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas, Germany initially increased supplies in a show of support.

Amid growing criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza, Chancellor Friedrich Merz ordered in August 2025 that exports of military equipment potentially usable in the conflict be halted.

The partial embargo drew criticism in Israel and within Germany's ruling conservative bloc, but was lifted after about three and a half months following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Even during the restrictions, export licences worth €10.44 million were still approved, the ministry said.