Germany's Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy responded to a parliamentary inquiry from the opposition Left Party (Die Linke), according to Der Spiegel magazine. According to the response, after export restrictions were lifted on November 24, 2025, German manufacturers were granted licenses for the sale of military equipment worth €800 million to Israel in the January-June period of this year.

Export permits granted to Israel in the first six months of this year exceeded the total amount for 2025. The main reason for this increase was large-scale projects in the defense industry.

Approximately 67 percent of the €735.8 million budget approved in the second quarter was allocated to a maritime project.

German shipbuilding company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) built the submarine named "INS Drakon." This submarine, equipped with an air-independent propulsion system, departed from the shipyard in Kiel for Israel.

Twenty-one percent of the permits involve joint projects between German and Israeli firms in line with the strategic interests of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). The remaining export approvals consisted of military equipment such as light weapons, ammunition, explosives, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Temporary Embargo Lifted, Shipments Accelerated

Chancellor Friedrich Merz had suspended the export of weapons that could be used in the region after Israel decided to expand its attacks in Gaza on August 8, 2025. This decision was lifted approximately 3.5 months later, on November 24, 2025.

The magazine report stated that the lifting of previous temporary restrictions was effective in the increased arms exports to Israel.

Opposition Slams "Double Standard"

The government's continued increase in arms shipments to Israel has sparked political debate in the country. Lea Reisner, spokesperson for International Relations for the Left Party, reacted strongly to the decision. Reisner accused the Berlin administration of applying "an unlimited double standard."

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

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

Germany's sales of weapons and military equipment to Israel amounted to €327 million in 2023, €161.1 million in 2024, and €260 million in 2025. The country's arms sales to Israel increased tenfold in 2023 compared to the previous year.

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 stemming from its Nazi past and the Holocaust.

In the country, arms export permits are decided by a joint assessment of the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the Federal 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.