Germany Lifts Restrictions On Export Of Military Weapons To Israel

JAKARTA - The German government said it would lift restrictions on the export of military equipment to Israel, weeks after the ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas militant group.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz in early August said Berlin would not allow the export of any military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza "until further notice."

The statement is a response to the Israeli Cabinet's decision to take over Gaza City.

As reported by the Associated Press, Monday, November 17, Merz spokesman Stefan Badminton told Germany's dpa news agency the restrictions would be lifted from November 24.

He referred to a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that took effect last month and said the ceasefire had been "stable in recent weeks," as well as efforts to increase humanitarian aid in Gaza and secure long-term peace.

Germany will now re-examine military exports based on case-by-case cases and "act against further developments," he continued.

Merz's decision in August was an extraordinary step taken by a country that is a loyal ally of Israel.