German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced that future German arms exports to Israel will be conditional on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. In an interview with Sueddeutsche Zeitung said that Berlin is examining whether Israel's military actions comply with international law and will consider further action depending on the results.
"We are looking into this and if necessary we will allow further arms deliveries based on these findings," Wadephul said. Still, he stressed that Israel's security is crucial for Germany, especially in view of the threats from Iran, Hezbollah and the Houthis.
The Minister recalled Germany's historic commitment to Israel in the context of coming to terms with the Holocaust, known as Staatsraison. At the same time, he added: "This does not mean that any government can do whatever it wants."
Wadephul's words come at a time when International criticism of Israeli operations in Gaza grows. The blockage of humanitarian aid, the more than 54,000 Palestinian casualties and the lack of food for half a million people have caused pressure even within Israel's traditional allies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing genocide charges at the International Court of Justice, which he has described as "outrageous". He also rejects claims that Israel deliberately caused the famine in Gaza through the 11-week blockade, which was partially eased last week.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday that Israeli airstrikes can no longer be justified by the need to fight Hamaswhose attack on 7 October 2023 caused approximately 1 200 casualties and triggered the current conflict.
For the first time, Germany is openly indicating that its support for Israel is not unlimited - and that the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza may also have consequences in the field of military cooperation.
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