Summary
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to Israel follows a recent decision to lift Germany's suspension of arms exports to the country. Merz plans to discuss various issues with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including the ceasefire in Gaza. Germany is a significant arms supplier to Israel, alongside the United States.
Key Facts
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Israel, marking his first trip there since taking office.
- Germany lifted a three-month suspension on arms exports to Israel on November 24.
- Germany is Israel's second-largest arms supplier, after the United States.
- Between 2019 and 2023, Germany supplied 30% of Israel's military equipment.
- In 2023, Germany approved 308 military export licenses to Israel, valued at 326.5 million euros.
- Germany has sold 3.3 billion euros worth of arms to Israel since 2003, including naval equipment and missiles.
- Israel operates German-built military hardware like Dolphin-class submarines and Matador rocket launchers.
- In December, Israel agreed to supply Germany with the Arrow 3 anti-ballistic missile defense system.
