In a bold move that sharply contrasts with recent European calls to limit arms supplies to Israel, Germany has pledged to boost its military support to the Jewish state. This announcement comes hot on the heels of French President Emmanuel Macron's controversial demand for an arms embargo against Israel, placing Germany squarely at odds with some of its European peers.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz made the decisive declaration on Thursday, affirming that Germany will continue to supply weapons to Israel, addressing concerns about a significant dip in military aid this year. Opposition leaders have accused the German government of deliberately slowing down arms exports in Israel's time of need.
"We have not stopped supplying weapons. We have supplied weapons, and we will continue to supply weapons," Scholz stated unequivocally during a solemn parliamentary session held in honor of the victims of the October 7 massacre, the tragic day when Israel faced one of the most brutal terrorist attacks in its modern history.
JUST IN ⚡️
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) October 10, 2024
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz: “Germany will soon provide additional weapons to Israel – we have supplied weapons, and we will continue to do so.” pic.twitter.com/FamHmOfGn5
Opposition Criticism: Delays Could Jeopardize Israel's Defense
Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s conservative opposition, unleashed a scathing criticism of the government, accusing it of delaying critical arms exports, including ammunition and spare parts for Israel’s tanks.
"For weeks and months, the federal government has refused to grant export permits for ammunition and even spare parts for tanks," Merz thundered, calling attention to the urgency of Israel's defense requirements amid heightened regional tensions. "We are aware of several specific cases where the government has withheld approval for equipment and material that Israel urgently needs to defend itself."
The accusations come at a time when Israel, facing renewed threats from both Hezbollah in the north and Hamas in Gaza, requires consistent and robust military supplies to sustain its defensive capabilities. Merz's concerns were amplified by statistics showing a dramatic drop in arms deliveries this year. From January to August 21, Berlin approved only €14.5 million worth of arms exports to Israel—a stark contrast to the €326.5 million in approvals in 2023, which marked a tenfold increase from the previous year.
Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz:
— Vivid.🇮🇱 (@VividProwess) October 10, 2024
"We will keep supplying weapons to Israel."
Thank you, Germany. 🇩🇪 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/47eXqulyIL
A Stark Decline in Arms Approvals
Germany's defense industry has played a critical role in Israel's security in recent years. The massive leap in 2023, when €326.5 million worth of military equipment, including war weapons, was approved for export to Israel, demonstrated Berlin’s steadfast commitment. However, the abrupt fall in 2024 has raised eyebrows, and opposition voices have demanded accountability.
Scholz, however, defended the government’s stance, attributing the decrease to a standard review process that considers international law and foreign policy concerns. "There is no arms export boycott on Israel," Scholz reiterated, assuring the nation that Germany’s support remains firm and future shipments are imminent.
The Chancellor stressed that all export permits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, underlining Germany’s responsibility to weigh security considerations and international law in its decisions.
Olaf Scholz - Chancellor of Germany 🇩🇪
— Kosher🎗🧡 (@K0sher_C0ckney) October 10, 2024
"We supplied Israel with weapons.
We will continue to supply Israel with weapons.
Soon there will be new shipments of weapons.
This is the position of the government in Germany."
Announced to the Bundestag (German Parliament)
👏🏽👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/5kCWxbEd2y
Scholz’s Strong Stand Amid International Pressure
While France's Macron may have sought to curtail the flow of arms to Israel, Germany's leadership under Scholz has chosen a different path, signaling unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defense. This firm stance reinforces Germany's position as a critical ally for Israel in Europe, even as the continent's diplomatic landscape faces increasing polarization over Middle East policy.
The broader geopolitical implications of Germany's decision are impossible to ignore. As Israel braces for potential escalations, particularly from Hezbollah, a well-supplied military becomes not just a matter of national security but of regional stability. Scholz's promise to maintain and enhance arms deliveries is likely to send a clear message to both Israel’s enemies and international partners: Germany stands resolute in its commitment to the Jewish state’s defense.
A parliamentary debate to mark the October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel turned into a heated exchange between Germany's chancellor and the opposition leader.
— DW Politics (@dw_politics) October 10, 2024
Olaf Scholz spontaneously took the floor to refute a claim that Berlin is not delivering enough weapons to Israel. pic.twitter.com/MwGK5dmL8I
Conclusion: A Defining Moment in German-Israeli Relations
The debate over arms exports has laid bare a critical moment in German-Israeli relations. As the opposition pushes for swifter, more comprehensive support, the government is walking a delicate tightrope, balancing its internal reviews with the pressing urgency of Israel’s security needs. Scholz's declaration has reassured many, but the world will be watching closely to see whether Germany can back up its words with timely action.
For Israel, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and Germany’s role in bolstering its defenses in these uncertain times will likely shape the course of their relationship for years to come.
