Germany's tenfold spike in arms exports to Israel amid Hamas attacks

Last year, arms exports to Israel, authorized by the federal government, were valued at 20.1 million euros (equivalent to over 88 million Polish zloty). The orders included 3,000 units of portable anti-tank guns and 500,000 units of ammunition for machine guns, pistols, and other semi- or fully-automatic firearms, as the "Münchner Merkur reported."

The German Ministry has officially acknowledged that in the aftermath of Hamas' October attack on Israel, applications for defense equipment bound for Tel Aviv have been prioritized. However, the details of the supplies and orders from Israel have not been disclosed. The German Ministry of Economy recently released specific details in response to an inquiry from Bundestag Deputy Sevim Dagdelen.

In 2023, the coalition government approved exports of military equipment and supplies to Israel worth 326.5 million euros. This is more than ten times the amount approved in the previous year, with the export permits for arms and equipment amounting to "only" 32.3 million euros.

In addition to anti-tank guns and ammunition, Germany has also authorized the export of 239 detonators and 44 launching charges. The government approved over 300 applications from Israel for additional re-armament, worth 306.4 million euros, per the "Münchner Merkur".

Deputy Dagdelen criticized Germany's position, stating, "Instead of supplying Israel with more and more arms, which could potentially harm more Palestinian civilians, the federal government should revoke export permits and advocate for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip."

Source: "Münchner Merkur"