Germany increases arms export licences to Israel, focusing on subproject

Berlin has issued a sharp increase in export authorisations for military‑related goods to Israel, a development officials say reflects a shift in the German government’s policy toward its Middle‑East ally. According to data released by the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA), licences for items ranging from ammunition to dual‑use technologies rose from 12 in the first half of 2023 to 57 in the same period of 2024, marking the most significant annual growth since the early 2000s.

The surge follows heightened diplomatic pressure after the October 2023 Hamas attack and aligns with broader European efforts to support Israel’s defence while maintaining compliance with the EU’s arms‑export guidelines. German foreign and defence ministries have stressed that each licence undergoes a case‑by‑case assessment to ensure that the supplied equipment is not used in violations of international humanitarian law. Domestic critics, including several parliamentary groups, have called for greater transparency and stricter oversight, warning that the expanded trade could entangle Germany in the conflict’s escalation. The government maintains that the increased permissions are intended to bolster Israel’s security needs and reinforce the strategic partnership between the two nations.