Why it matters:
Germany is Tel Aviv's biggest supporter in Europe. Germany's decision to halt arms exports to the occupied territories was made in response to Netanyahu's cabinet's decision to occupy Gaza.
The big picture:
Netanyahu's cabinet approved a plan to occupy Gaza City and expand military operations in the Gaza Strip last night. The decision was met with widespread global reactions.
Key points:
- Germany is the second-largest arms exporter to Israel, following the United States.
- Mertz has announced that the country will not export weapons to the regime that could be used in the Gaza war.
- He also expressed deep concern about the suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip and emphasized that the release of Israeli prisoners and negotiations for a ceasefire are among Berlin's top priorities.
Go deeper:
Israeli Channel 13 TV reported, citing an informed Israeli source, that following Germany's decision, the Prime Minister strongly criticized the German Chancellor in a telephone conversation.
Critics in the occupied territories believe that the plan to occupy Gaza would lead to global isolation and increase hatred of Israel worldwide.
Hossein Amiri - Hossein Amiri
