Germany has approved over $100 million in arms exports to Israel in the last three months, sparking controversy as human rights groups raise concerns over potential civilian harm in Gaza. According to recent foreign ministry data, Germany authorized €94 million ($101 million) in military exports to Israel since August 2024, following a slowdown in similar exports during the year’s first half.
The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) has filed a legal challenge at the Frankfurt Administrative Court on behalf of a Gaza resident, seeking to halt future exports. The plaintiff, who lost family members in recent airstrikes, argues that these exports endanger civilians in Gaza and violate international law, urging Germany to cease further transfers.
The complaint, filed against Germany’s Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA), questions approvals that allow for exports potentially used in the Gaza conflict. Among the items in focus are components for Israel’s Merkava tanks supplied by the German defense firm Renk Group AG. Renk and Germany’s economy ministry did not comment on the case. Previously, the German government has stated that it reviews each arms export individually, factoring in humanitarian concerns and human rights compliance.
The ECCHR claims that the exports breach the Arms Trade Treaty, which prohibits arms transfers when there is a substantial risk of war crimes. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced this month that Berlin is awaiting formal assurances from Israel that German-supplied equipment will be used according to international humanitarian standards.
Legal challenges against arms exports to Israel have been mounting across Europe, but none in Germany have yet succeeded. As of recent reports, the Gaza health ministry claims over 42,000 people have been killed or are presumed dead, though Israel argues that 17,000 combatants were killed in battle and stresses efforts to minimize civilian impact amid Hamas’ use of civilian areas for combat purposes.