Germany to remove restrictions on arms exports to 'Israel'

• Germany will lift its August restrictions on arms exports to 'Israel'.
• Officials say the change is due to a “fundamentally stabilised” ceasefire in Gaza.
• The decision takes effect November 24.
• Berlin says continued adherence to the ceasefire and aid commitments is expected.

Germany will lift limits it previously placed on certain arms shipments to 'Israel', the federal government confirmed on Monday, citing improved conditions in Gaza and a sustained ceasefire as the basis for the policy reversal.

Government spokesman Sebastian Hille said the freeze, which had been introduced in August over concerns that 'Israeli' operations in Gaza City were set to intensify, will formally end on November 24.

“The restrictions on arms exports to Israel... will be lifted,” Hille told reporters. He added that the government’s stance was always intended to be flexible and responsive to developments. “We have always stated that we would review this practice in light of developments on the ground.”

The earlier decision was announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz in response to 'Israeli' plans for a broader offensive at the time. According to Hille, conditions have since shifted significantly.

“Since 10 October, there has been a ceasefire in Gaza, which has also fundamentally stabilised,” he said. “This forms the basis for this decision.”

Hille emphasized that Berlin expects all parties to respect the arrangements that enabled the policy change, including “maintaining the ceasefire” and ensuring “large-scale humanitarian aid.”