Germany approves over $100M arms exports to Israel amid human rights concerns
EU, Israeli and German flags in front of the Bundestag, the German lower house of parliament in Berlin, Germany, Oct. 12, 2023 (AFP Photo)
Germany has approved more than $100 million in military exports to Israel over the last three months, according to data from the Foreign Ministry. In response to an inquiry from left-wing lawmaker Sevim Dagdelen, the government confirmed that since August 2024, it has authorized 94 million euros ($101 million) in arms exports to Israel.
The recent approvals follow a significant decline in arms exports to Israel during the first half of the year.
Legal efforts to halt arms exports
The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) recently filed a motion with the Frankfurt Administrative Court on behalf of a resident of Gaza, seeking to halt these arms exports.
The legal appeal argues that German-made weapons contribute to civilian casualties in Gaza. The plaintiff, who lost his wife and daughter in Israeli airstrikes, calls on Germany to cease arms shipments, claiming these exports put lives, including his own, at greater risk.
Focus on Merkava tank components
The ECCHR’s case targets Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) and includes German defense firm Renk Group AG, which supplies parts for Israel’s Merkava tanks.
Germany’s position on arms exports
The German Ministry of Economy declined to comment on the case. Previously, the government has stated that each arms export application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with consideration of human rights, humanitarian law, and other criteria.
Concerns over potential violations of international law
The ECCHR argues that Germany’s arms exports violate international law, citing the Arms Trade Treaty, which prohibits arms transfers if there is a risk they could be used to commit war crimes.
German FM seeks Israeli assurances
Earlier this month, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that Germany expects formal assurances from Israel that any military equipment provided will be used in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Broader legal challenges
Legal actions across Europe have prompted some of Israel’s other allies to suspend or halt arms exports, though no lawsuit challenging Germany’s arms exports to Israel has yet succeeded.
