Germany stops exporting ‘war weapons’ to Israel: report

Germany’s arms exports to Israel have significantly decreased as the country halted approvals for weapons export to Tel Aviv, amid a lawsuit filed against it in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to prevent further exports due to genocide in Gaza, Reuters reported.

In 2023, Germany exported arms and military equipment worth 326.5 million Euros ($363.5 million) to Israel, reaching a record level and marking a tenfold increase from 2022, according to data from the Economy Ministry.

However, since January, Germany’s overall arms exports to Israel have dropped to just 14.5 million Euros by August.

In addition, only 32,449 euros worth of “war weapons” were exported to Israel during this period.

Germany is currently facing a lawsuit at the ICJ brought by Nicaragua in March, requesting the court to halt arms exports under the Genocide Convention, to prevent the Israeli military offensive against Palestinians in Gaza.

Nicaragua argued in its plea that Germany should be held accountable for “facilitating the commission of genocide,” a charge Germany denied, urging the court to dismiss the complaint.

However, the ICJ rejected Germany’s request to throw out Nicaragua’s complaint.

Although the ICJ has yet to issue a ruling in the case, Germany is facing legal challenges in defending against the allegations, prompting the country to reconsider its arms exports to Israel.

Germany stated that it has not sent any war weapons to Israel since October 7, except for spare parts related to long-term contracts.

The European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) has also filed a case in a Berlin court, challenging Germany’s arms exports to Israel.

These legal challenges have prompted other Western countries to reconsider their policies towards Israel. The UK recently suspended 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel.

A Dutch court ordered the Netherlands government to stop exporting F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel, amid concerns over their use in airstrikes against Palestinians in Gaza.