In a significant shift in its foreign-policy posture, Germany confirmed that it will lift, as of 24 November, the restrictions on arms exports to Israel that had been in place since August.

The government framed the decision as a response to the “verified stability” of the ceasefire in Gaza, arguing that the situation on the ground now justifies ending what was always intended as a temporary measure. 

Deputy government spokesperson Sebastian Hille said during Monday’s regular press briefing that the truce established on 10 October has held without major incidents.

After nearly seven weeks of relative calm, Berlin concluded that the current conditions provide sufficient grounds to reverse the earlier restrictions and resume transfers under controlled frameworks. 

Hille stressed that the German government expects all parties to honour the commitments agreed upon, particularly regarding the sustained arrival of humanitarian aid and the prevention of renewed hostilities.

The decision, he added, does not amount to unconditional support: all exports will be subject to monitoring and periodic assessments. 

The initial suspension was announced on 8 August by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, following the approval of an Israeli military plan aimed at occupying the city of Gaza.

Germany and a new stance on Israel

At that time, Berlin sought to express caution amid the rapid deterioration of the conflict and to limit its direct involvement while the risk of further escalation remained high. 

Since then, conditions on the ground have changed markedly. The truce has paused active confrontation, increased the flow of civilian supplies and allowed humanitarian organisations to report gradual, if limited, improvements.

According to the German government, these factors proved decisive in moving forward with Monday’s announcement. 

By lifting the restrictions, Germany returns to a long-standing pattern in its policy toward Israel—a mix of strategic cooperation, historical commitments and an insistence on adherence to international norms during conflict situations.

Berlin noted that it will continue to monitor developments closely and reserves the right to reinstate restrictions should the security context deteriorate.