Germany has not approved any new arms exports to Israel, a parliamentary inquiry has revealed, leading to a full freeze despite Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s pledge of only a partial halt.
In a written reply obtained by Politico to a formal question from Left Party MP Ulrich Thoden, the economy ministry confirmed that between August 8 and September 12 no licenses of any kind were granted.
In early August, Merz said Berlin would stop granting licenses for weapons "clearly usable in Gaza". At the time, the announcement left the door open for other types of transfers, like spare parts or systems unrelated to fighting.
The disclosure that no licences had been granted came in answer to a parliamentary question filed by Ulrich Thoden of the Left Party, who requested a full breakdown of licences by date, quantity and weapon type.
Thoden had already pressed the government earlier this year on the scale of exports, which revealed Germany had approved €251 million worth of arms sales to Israel between early 2024 and mid-2025.
Germany has long been among Israel’s most important defence partners in Europe. The abrupt halt has triggered debate in Berlin. Some in Merz’s own conservative bloc warn the measure undermines Germany’s credibility as a strategic ally, while opposition lawmakers argue it still falls short because previously granted licenses remain unaffected.
Lammy tells UN Gaza war is 'indefensible'
The German halt came hours before Britain’s deputy prime minister, David Lammy, delivered a forceful speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
His statement was the UK’s first high-level address since Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced earlier this week that Britain would recognise an independent Palestinian state.
Lammy said Palestinians "deserve better" and called Israel’s military campaign in Gaza "inhumane" and "indefensible".
Lammy urged "concerted diplomatic action" and pledged UK support for US President Donald Trump’s efforts to build consensus around a post-war settlement plan. He repeated Britain’s call for an "immediate ceasefire, hostages out, now, and aid in, now".
The deputy prime minister insisted the UK "will not rest" until there are "two states living side by side in peace and security".
It comes as other European leaders are also weighing tougher steps. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed on Thursday that Rome would align with EU partners in preparing sanctions against Israel, joining Germany, France and Spain in what could mark the bloc’s sharpest response since the war began.