Germany has announced plans to lift its restrictions on the export of military equipment to Israel later this month, ending a policy that has been in effect since August.
The decision follows several weeks of a relatively stable ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on October 10.
The announcement was confirmed on Monday by government spokesperson Sebastian Hille, who explained that the new directive will take effect from November 24. The report was originally published by Newsmax.
Berlin halted all military exports that could be used in Gaza after Israel announced its plans to take over Gaza City earlier in the year.
At the time, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany would not approve such exports “until further notice,” stressing that the situation on the ground required caution.
The move was widely seen as significant, given Germany’s long-standing position as one of Israel’s closest allies.
According to Hille, the easing of restrictions became possible because the ceasefire has held for more than a month and conditions in Gaza have shown signs of stabilization.
He said this stability formed the basis of the government’s decision to return to its usual export-review process.
Germany expects every party to fully respect the agreements that led to the ceasefire, including commitments on humanitarian access and orderly conduct throughout the transition period.
The spokesperson declined to say whether Israel made any military equipment requests during the restriction period or if any applications were blocked.
He stressed, however, that once the new date takes effect, all applications will be reviewed case by case, following the country’s standard rules for arms export assessments.
Merz’s earlier restriction had raised eyebrows internationally because Germany rarely limits military cooperation with Israel, given its historical and diplomatic ties.
The Israeli government reacted positively to the news on Monday. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar publicly welcomed the decision, urging other countries to follow Germany’s example and resume full cooperation with Israel.
The development signals a shift in Europe’s diplomatic stance as tensions surrounding Gaza ease, even if only temporarily.
