A recent survey in Germany revealed that 60% of Germans are against arms exports to Israel, with a majority of voters from the ruling coalition partners supporting restrictions. Green Party voters accounted for 50% opposing weapon sales, while 60% of Social Democratic Party supporters and 52% of Free Democratic Party voters also rejected arms exports. The opposition was notably high in former East Germany, where 75% of respondents rejected arms sales to Israel.
Last week, reports emerged that German leaders blocked the sale of weapons to Israel, despite Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s affirmation of continued arms sales. The Green politicians within the coalition demanded assurance that the weapons would not be used against civilians, leading to a halt in weapon exports to Israel.
The War Weapons Control Act stipulates that German arms should not target civilians, leading to legal challenges against Germany’s arms sales to Israel. Despite pressure, Scholz reiterated Germany’s military support for Israel and ruled out a weapons export ban.