Germany’s export licenses for military equipment to Israel reached €800 million during the January–June period. The amount granted in the first six months of the year thus exceeded the €260 million in licenses issued for all of 2025.
According to figures released by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, export licenses approved in the second quarter were worth €735.8 million. Approximately 67 percent of this amount was allocated to a large-scale project in the maritime sector.
Submarine shipment stands out
As part of the maritime project, the submarine named “INS Drakon,” built by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, left the shipyard in Kiel and headed for Israel. The shipment of the submarine, which has an air-independent propulsion system, was one of the most notable items among the military export licenses.
Joint projects carried out by German and Israeli companies in line with the strategic interests of the German Armed Forces accounted for 21 percent of the licenses. The remaining licenses covered military equipment such as small arms, ammunition, explosives and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Export restrictions lifted
On August 8, 2025, Chancellor Friedrich Merz suspended exports of weapons that could be used in the region after Israel decided to expand its attacks in Gaza. The temporary restrictions were lifted approximately three and a half months later, on November 24, 2025.
Following the end of the restrictions, the increase in shipments of military equipment to Israel accelerated. Germany’s exports of weapons and military equipment to Israel totaled €327 million in 2023, €161.1 million in 2024 and €260 million in 2025.
Left Party calls for exports to be halted
Lea Reisner, the Left Party’s spokesperson for international relations, accused the government in Berlin of applying “an unlimited double standard.” Reisner criticized the German government for increasing military support even as it condemned statements by Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir targeting civilians in Gaza.
The Left Party reiterated its call for the federal government to immediately and completely halt arms exports to Israel.
Licenses decided through joint assessment
In Germany, arms export licenses are decided through a joint assessment by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control. In strategic and sensitive cases, the final decision is made by the Federal Security Council, which includes the chancellor and the relevant ministers.
The government in Berlin does not share information on indirect shipments carried out through third countries.
