Berlin: Germany's arms export approvals to Israel reveal a stark contrast between its public criticism of Israeli military actions and its defense export policies. In the first five months of 2026, Germany approved nearly £800 million ($909 million) in defense sales to Israel, positioning the country as the sixth-largest recipient of German military equipment during this period.
According to Anadolu Agency, figures released by the Federal Economic Affairs and Energy Ministry show that Germany authorized licenses worth £799.3 million for Israel. This amount forms part of a record £13.87 billion in German military export approvals between January and June 2026. Of this, approximately £9.6 billion was allocated for weapons of war, while £4.3 billion covered other military equipment.
A significant portion of the military exports to Israel, over 60%, related to a major maritime defense project. Around 20% of the exports involved collaboration between German and Israeli companies benefiting the German Armed Forces, while the remaining exports were classified as non-war weapons. Germany has supplied Israel with Dolphin-class submarines, including the INS Drakon, which was recently delivered to the Israeli Navy. This vessel is valued at approximately £480 million and is considered capable of providing a second-strike nuclear capability.
Despite Chancellor Friedrich Merz's vocal criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza and the West Bank, arms export approvals to Israel have increased significantly. Merz has expressed deep concern over developments in Palestinian territories and has called for no de facto annexation of the West Bank. However, Israeli military operations and demolitions in the region continue to escalate.
Germany imposed a temporary freeze on arms exports to Israel following increased military operations in Gaza in August 2025. This decision was supported by a majority of the German public, but the restriction was lifted after three and a half months. Amnesty International criticized the move, citing ongoing Israeli actions and restrictions on humanitarian aid.
The US and Germany together supplied almost all major conventional weapons imported by Israel between 2021 and 2025, with Germany accounting for 31% of these imports. Despite Germany's diplomatic stance, its significant arms exports to Israel highlight a complex relationship between public diplomacy and defense trade.