| Bofferbrauer2 said: Bolded: 3 weeks ago I would have agreed with you that Germany would be the last ones to sanction Israel. But it seems like the new government in Germany has significantly upped the tone towards Israel. Keep in mind the reneguing of the trade agreement between Europe and Israel had to be approved by Germany beforehand, and they wouldn't have done so under Scholz. |
I hope so.
Germany last year did reverse the massive increase of its arms trade with Israel:
In 2023, German arms exports to Israel were valued at $326.5 million, a tenfold increase from 2022. This included various military equipment and war weapons
https://content.forensic-architecture.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Forensis-Report-German-Arms-Exports-to-Israel-2003-2023.pdf
Germany doubles arms exports to Ukraine, halves them to Israel in 2024
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-doubles-arms-exports-ukraine-halves-them-israel-2024-2024-12-18/
Export approvals for Israel have dropped to 161 million euros, coinciding with a legal challenge by human rights groups concerned about the potential use of weapons in the Gaza war.
Last year, Germany approved arms exports to Israel worth 326.5 million euros, including military equipment and war weapons, a 10-fold increase from 2022, according to data from the economy ministry, which approves export licences.
Public pressure is working, but 50% less last year is still a 5x increase over 2022.
No need for EU approval, Germany can halt their arms trade with Israel all by themselves. I hope it happens.
