Scholz Announces Germany Will Soon Send Additional Weapons to Israel

Germany will expedite the delivery of more weapons to Israel in the coming weeks, Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed on Thursday. Addressing the German parliament, Scholz responded to accusations from opposition leaders that his government had deliberately slowed arms exports to Israel amid rising security concerns.

Speaking at an event commemorating the victims of the October 7 Hamas massacre, Scholz stated, “We have not decided not to supply weapons. We have supplied weapons, and we will supply weapons.” He emphasized that decisions had been made to ensure further deliveries soon, countering claims from opposition leader Friedrich Merz, who criticized the government for withholding crucial military supplies.

Merz, head of the conservative opposition, accused the German government of delaying export permits for vital equipment, including ammunition and tank spare parts, which Israel urgently needs for its defense. "For weeks and months, the federal government has refused to grant export permits for ammunition and even spare parts for tanks," Merz said during the parliamentary session, adding that there were specific instances where approvals were withheld for equipment Israel needed in its fight against terrorism.

The controversy over arms exports comes at a time when Germany's approvals for military shipments to Israel have sharply declined. According to the Economy Ministry, arms exports to Israel from January to August 2023 amounted to just €14.5 million, a significant drop compared to previous years. However, overall data for 2023 showed a tenfold increase in total approvals, with Germany granting €326.5 million worth of military equipment exports, up from previous years.

German officials have reiterated that there is no arms embargo on Israel and that each export request is carefully reviewed. Export permits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account international law and security considerations. The government has maintained that its approach remains consistent with Germany’s foreign policy, despite the slowdown in approvals.

As Israel continues to face security threats from terrorist groups, particularly Hezbollah and Hamas, international military support is crucial to bolstering its defense capabilities. The promise of accelerated weapons deliveries from Germany is likely to ease tensions between the two countries, especially as Israel's need for additional military supplies grows.

Germany's commitment to supporting Israel reflects its broader stance on ensuring the security of the Jewish state. As Chancellor Scholz’s government moves forward with these weapons deliveries, Germany is reinforcing its role as a key partner in Israel’s defense strategy.

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