**Berlin Approves $930 Million in Arms Sales to Israel Amid Controversy**
The German government has authorized nearly €800 million (approximately $930 million) in arms exports to Israel for the first half of 2023, according to a report by the German weekly magazine Der Spiegel. This figure marks a significant increase, being four times higher than the total arms sales approved for Israel throughout the entirety of the previous year.
The government disclosed that around 20% of these exports are associated with German-Israeli defense-industry cooperation, which is said to benefit the German Armed Forces. A substantial portion, over two-thirds of the approved value, is linked to the delivery of the INS ‘Drakon’, a Dolphin II-class submarine manufactured by the German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). The submarine, measuring nearly 70 meters in length, has reportedly departed from Kiel and is en route to Israel.
In addition to the submarine, the remaining exports consist of various military equipment that does not fall under the classification of “weapons of war.” This includes small arms, ammunition, explosives, and drones, as outlined in the report.
The decision to boost arms sales to Israel has sparked criticism from political opponents within Germany. The Left Party has accused the government of exhibiting “boundless double standards.” MP Lea Reisner pointed to the apparent contradiction between Chancellor Friedrich Merz's public outrage over statements made by Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and the government's continued military cooperation with Israel. Ben-Gvir has made controversial remarks regarding the Palestinian territories, including calls for increased military action in Gaza, which have drawn international condemnation.
Germany's War Weapons Control Act mandates that arms export licenses must be denied if there is a risk that the weapons could be used in actions that disturb peace or violate international law. This legal framework has been a point of contention, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and accusations of genocide against Israel, which are currently being examined by the International Criminal Court.
In August 2025, Germany temporarily halted arms exports to Israel due to concerns over the Israeli government's plans to occupy Gaza City. However, these restrictions were lifted in November after a ceasefire was brokered with Hamas, leading to a resumption of military operations in the region.
The German government has also been enhancing military collaboration with Israel. Recently, the German Navy successfully tested an Israeli ballistic missile in the North Atlantic, which has a range of up to 500 kilometers. Germany does not possess its own ballistic missiles, with the Taurus cruise missiles being its longest-range missile system.
Germany's steadfast support for Israel, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict and allegations of war crimes, has raised questions about the country's international standing. The German government's actions have been scrutinized, especially after it failed to secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council in June, a setback that some analysts attribute to its unwavering support for Israel amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the implications of Germany's arms sales to Israel and its military cooperation will likely remain a contentious topic both domestically and internationally.