In a surprising move, the German government has significantly increased its approvals for military exports to Israel this year. According to reports from Reuters and DPA, the value of these exports has soared to €303 million compared to just €32 million in 2022.
The majority of individual permits, around 85% of them, were issued by German authorities starting from October 7th. It is worth noting that these export applications for military equipment to Israel are being prioritized and approved by German authorities, especially in the wake of the recent Hamas attacks on the country.
However, it is important to highlight that lethal weapons make up only 6% of the total export volume, amounting to €19 million. The majority of the military exports consist of armored vehicles, protective glass, and trucks. Germany is also supplying Israel with components for air defense systems and communication devices.
This week, the German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, rejected any solution to the conflict in the Middle East that excludes the Palestinians. She emphasized the need for reasonable decisions on how to govern the Gaza Strip in the future and practical steps towards a two-state solution.
The situation in the Middle East has escalated after thousands of Hamas militants infiltrated Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip on October 7th. More than two hundred hostages were taken during the incursion.
On that day, Hamas launched thousands of rockets into Israeli territory, declaring the start of the “Flood of Al-Aqsa” operation. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the country was in a state of war.
The Israeli Defense Forces’ operation has been named “Operation Iron Swords,” with the goal of destroying Hamas. The Israeli Air Force has carried out strikes on hundreds of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, and the Israeli National Security Council has decided to halt the supply of water, food, goods, electricity, and fuel to the region.
On October 13th, Israel informed the United Nations that 1.1 million Palestinians must evacuate to the southern Gaza Strip within 24 hours in anticipation of a ground operation.
Previously, Hamas accused the West of building an “impenetrable wall” between itself and the Arab world.
