JAKARTA - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Israel's goal was not to take over Gaza, but to free Gaza from Hamas. Israel wants conditions later in Gaza to allow the formation of a peaceful government.
Netanyahu expressed disappointment at Berlin's decision to suspend arms exports to Israel during a phone call with Merz on Friday, August 8, reported by Reuters.
The German government previously decided not to approve the export of any military weapons that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz took this decision on Friday, August 8, responding to Israel's plans to expand its military operations there.
Israel's political-security cabinet approved plans to control Gaza City, a move that expanded military operations despite increasingly intensive criticism at home and abroad over the war that has lasted nearly two years and destroyed it.
Merz said Israel had the right to strip Hamas weapons and seek the release of Israeli hostages.
"The German government believes that the tougher military action in the Gaza Strip decided by the Israeli cabinet last night further complicates the achievement of these goals," Merz said.
"In this situation, the German government will not approve the export of any military equipment that can be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice," he continued.
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Right-wing allies in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition have pushed for a total takeover of Gaza as part of its promise to eradicate Hamas militants, although the military has warned this could put the lives of the remaining hostages at risk.
The release of hostages and ceasefire negotiations are Germany's top priority, Merz said, expressing deep concern over the suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip.
The German parliament said in June that licenses for the export of military equipment to Israel worth 485 million euros ($564 million) had been granted between 7 October 2023 and 13 May 2025.
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