Germany to resume arms exports to Israel from Nov. 24

The German government will lift an order suspending some weapons sales to Israel from next week, following the ceasefire agreement reached last month, a government spokesperson said on Monday.

"The government will, as a general rule, revert to case-by-case reviews in decisions on arms exports and respond to further developments," the spokesperson said.

The decision will allow the resumption of exports suspended in August, from Nov. 24, the spokesperson said.

Last month, the German news agency dpa reported on the findings of a parliamentary inquiry filed by Left Party MP Ulrich Thoden to the Economy Ministry.

Thoden had asked the government to clarify which export permits had been issued since Merz’s announcement and how the new restrictions would be implemented.

According to dpa, the ministry’s response showed that Berlin had authorised fresh arms exports worth at least €2.46 million (US$2.89 million), with permits issued between 13 and 22 September.

The ministry reportedly said at the time that these exports did not constitute "war weapons" but rather “other military equipment,” amounting to only a small share of previously approved transfers.

Germany, the second-largest exporter of arms to Israel after the United States, announced a suspension of some arms exports to Israel in August, amid mounting popular pressure over the war in Gaza.

The decision affected weapons and systems that could be used in Gaza but not others deemed necessary for Israel to defend itself from external attacks.

The spokesperson said Germany remained committed to supporting a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians on the basis of a two state solution and would continue to engage in supporting reconstruction in Gaza.