Overview
- Berlin will revert to individual reviews for defense exports to Israel and says decisions will track developments on the ground, according to spokesman Stefan Kornelius.
- The change takes effect on November 24, ending a partial halt imposed on August 8 by Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- The government ties the shift to a Gaza truce in place since October 10 that it says has stabilized alongside stepped-up peace and humanitarian efforts.
- Approvals are not automatic, and while Germany has not cleared new war-weapon exports since last spring, reporters say items such as Renk-made Merkava tank engines could now be considered.
- The move proceeds under legal scrutiny from Nicaragua’s case at the International Court of Justice and recent Berlin court rulings, and it follows Israeli criticism of the August halt and a public welcome from Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.