Germany to lift restrictions on arms for Israel as ceasefire holds
Germany will lift its partial embargo on weapons exports to Israel as of November 24, reversing a decision taken in August in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius told dpa that the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has been in effect since October 10, is a key reason for lifting the ban.
Kornelius said the ceasefire had “stabilized in recent weeks.”
The spokesman also cited efforts to achieve a lasting peace and increase the flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
The German government is set to “generally return to examining each case individually and respond to further developments” when it comes to arms exports, he said.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that the decision was “responsible and correct” given that the government was now assuming the ceasefire was sustainable.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to the Montenegrin capital Podgorica, he said that the German government’s decision was the result of extensive discussions, closely involving the Foreign Office and him personally.
“We are now returning to case-by-case decisions and will monitor the situation on the ground at all times,” he added.
News credit: German News Service
