Overview

• The partial export halt applies only to weapons that could be used in the Gaza conflict while German support for air and sea defense systems continues without interruption.
• Chancellor Friedrich Merz appeared on ARD’s “Tagesthemen” to reject accusations of a policy shift and took personal responsibility for the decision.
• The Kanzleramt circulated a three-page briefing explaining that Gaza-deployable arms had already been withheld and outlining the humanitarian rationale for extending the embargo.
• CSU leaders complained of being sidelined and drew parallels to past internal disputes, demanding clearer communication and justification from the chancellor.
• CDU and CSU foreign policy experts will meet via video conference on Sunday to evaluate the decision’s fallout and improve coordination on Israel policy.