According to a report by Der Spiegel magazine, in its response to a parliamentary question submitted by the opposition Left Party (Die Linke) to the government, Germany's Ministry of Economy and Energy stated that licenses were granted to German defense industry manufacturers for the supply of military equipment totaling 800 million euros to Israel in the January-June period of this year, following the lifting of export restrictions on November 24, 2025.

It was noted that the total export permits granted to Israel in the first six months of this year exceeded the amount in 2025. Large-scale projects in the defense industry were the main factor behind this increase.

Approximately 67% of the 735.8 million euro budget approved in the second quarter of the year was reported to belong to a project in the maritime sector.

In this context, the submarine named "INS Drakon," built by the German shipbuilding company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and equipped with an air-independent propulsion system, was stated to have departed from the shipyard in Kiel and set sail for Israel.

It was noted that 21% of the permits covered joint projects carried out between German and Israeli firms, in line with the strategic interests of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). The remaining export approvals were reported to consist of military equipment such as light weapons, ammunition, explosives, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Lifting of Temporary Embargo Accelerated Shipments

Prime Minister Friedrich Merz had suspended the export of weapons that could be used in the region on August 8, 2025, following Israel's decision to expand its attacks in Gaza. However, this decision was lifted approximately 3.5 months later, on November 24, 2025.

The magazine's report included the assessment that the lifting of temporary restrictions applied in the past period was effective in the increasing arms exports to Israel.

Opposition Slams "Double Standard"

The government's continued and increased arms shipments to Israel also brought political debates in the country. Lea Reisner, spokesperson for International Relations of the Left Party, reacted strongly to the decision, accusing the Berlin administration of applying "an unlimited double standard."

Recalling that Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's statements targeting civilians in Gaza were condemned by the German government, Reisner criticized the continued increase in military support in the background despite these condemnations.

The Left Party reiterated its call to the federal government to immediately and completely stop arms exports to Israel.

Germany's sale of weapons and military equipment to Tel Aviv was 327 million euros in 2023, 161.1 million euros in 2024, and 260 million euros in 2025. The country's sale of weapons and military equipment to Israel had increased tenfold in 2023 compared to the previous year.

While the German government has long been a "loyal" supporter of Israel, German political leaders defend this support by referring to the country's historical responsibility towards Israel stemming from its Nazi past and the Holocaust.

In the country, arms export permits are decided based on a joint assessment by the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the Foreign Office, and the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control.

In strategic and sensitive situations, the final decision is made by the Federal Security Council, which includes the chancellor and relevant ministers.

The Berlin administration does not share information regarding indirect shipments made through third countries.