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// DOSSIER — germany-approves-arms-exports-israel
Germany Approves €800 Million in Arms Exports to Israel Amid Legal and Political Scrutiny
REL_TIME: 08 Sep 2026 10:18Z · LANG: EN
Germany authorized approximately €800 million in military equipment exports to Israel during the first half of 2025, representing a nearly fourfold increase over the total value approved in 2024. The majority of this valuation is linked to the delivery of the INS Drakon, a Dolphin-II-class submarine. While the German government maintains that these exports support strategic defense cooperation, the policy has drawn sharp criticism from domestic opposition parties and international observers at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where Germany's role as a supplier is being scrutinized in the context of the conflict in Gaza.
// Background
Germany's arms export policy has become a focal point of international legal battles, specifically at the ICJ, where critics argue that supplying weapons to Israel makes Germany complicit in alleged war crimes in Gaza. Domestically, the government faces pressure to balance its 'Staatsräson' (reason of state) regarding Israel's security with humanitarian concerns and international legal obligations.
// Key Developments
- Approved exports from January to June 2025 reached €800 million, quadrupling the 2024 total.
- Over two-thirds of the export value is attributed to the INS Drakon submarine built by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.
- One-fifth of approved exports are linked to German-Israeli defense cooperation that benefits the German armed forces.
- The German Navy recently tested an Israeli ballistic missile with a 500km range in the North Atlantic.
- Non-weapon military exports include drones, ammunition, explosives, and small arms.
- Germany previously implemented a temporary halt on exports in August 2025 before resuming them in November.
// Timeline
-
Germany approves €800 million in military exports to Israel.
-
Germany temporarily halts certain arms exports following Israeli military plans for Gaza City.
-
Export restrictions are lifted following a US-mediated ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.
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The INS Drakon submarine departs the port of Kiel for delivery to Israel.
-
German Navy announces successful testing of an Israeli ballistic missile in the North Atlantic.
// Perspectives
[German Government]
Defends the exports as part of long-standing strategic defense cooperation and claims compliance with international law at the ICJ.
[The Left Party (Germany)]
Accuses the administration of hypocrisy for criticizing Israeli ministers while simultaneously increasing military support.
[South Africa]
Challenging the legality of such support through genocide allegations against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
// Quotes
“The amount is nearly four times the total value of arms exports approved by Germany to Israel last year.”
“The German government, on the one hand, expresses displeasure over statements made by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, while on the other hand continuing defence cooperation with the Israeli government and military.”
