“For weeks and months, federal govt refused to grant export permits for ammunition and even spare parts for tanks,” Merz


Berlin: Germany will supply more weapons to Israel soon, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Thursday, after a significant drop in deliveries this year prompted opposition accusations that Berlin deliberately delayed the exports.
“We have not decided not to supply weapons. We have supplied weapons and we will supply weapons,” Scholz told parliament at an event to commemorate the victims of the October 7 Hamas attack, countering an accusation from opposition leader Friedrich Merz.
The government had made decisions ‘that also ensure that there will be further deliveries soon,’ the chancellor said.
Merz, leader of Germany’s conservative opposition, accused the government of delaying arms exports to Israel, including ammunition and tank spare parts.
“For weeks and months, the federal government has refused to grant export permits for ammunition and even spare parts for tanks,” Merz said at the parliamentary session.
“We are aware of several specific cases where the government has withheld approval for equipment and material that Israel urgently needs to defend itself,” Merz added.
Germany's approvals for arms exports to Israel dropped sharply this year, with only 14.5 million euros' worth granted from January to August 21, according to data provided by the Economy Ministry in response to a parliamentary question.
In 2023, Germany approved arms exports to Israel worth 326.5 million euros including military equipment and war weapons, a 10-fold increase from 2022, data from the ministry, which approves export licenses, showed.
Commenting on the fall in exports, the German government has said there is no arms export boycott on Israel, and export permits are issued case-by-case after careful review, considering international law, foreign policy and security considerations.
SOURCE: REUTERS

Qatar won’t be attacked again, says Trump after Israeli strikes
- 7 minutes ago
Advocate Imaan Mazari faces license cancellation reference
- an hour ago
IHC orders removal of PTA Chairman Hafeez ur Rehman
- an hour ago

Earthquake hits areas of Punjab including Multan
- 2 hours ago

Who are MLB's teams to beat this October -- and who could take them down? Execs, insiders weigh in
- 8 minutes ago
Australia bans social media for under-16s in landmark global move
- an hour ago

Power Rankings: Big wins and early breakout stars following Week 3
- 8 minutes ago
High-level flood hits Sukkur Barrage
- an hour ago

Gold price surges again, reaches all-time high
- 2 hours ago

Transfer rumors, news: Real Madrid eye Salah free transfer
- 8 minutes ago
9th Pakistan Industrial Expo 2025 announced
- 38 minutes ago

Broncos penalty gives Colts second chance, win
- 8 minutes ago