Chancellor Merz said that with the planned expansion of the IDF offensive, 'the Israeli government bears even greater responsibility than before for providing for their needs.' Germany is Israel's second-biggest weapons supplier after the U.S.
The German government will not approve any exports to Israel of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday in response to Israel's plan to expand its military operations in the Strip.
Hours earlier, the Israeli security cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan for a Gaza takeover after 10 hours of discussions.
The release of the Israeli hostages and negotiations for a cease-fire are Germany's top priorities, Merz said in a statement, expressing deep concern over the suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip.
Israel "has the right to defend itself against Hamas' terror," Merz said, adding that the group must not have a role in the future of Gaza.
