After Berlin blocks arms transfers to Israel, Netanyahu accuses Germany of undermining Israel’s war on Hamas and insists the goal is to free Gaza, not occupy it.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a sharp rebuke to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday evening, condemning Berlin’s decision to impose an arms embargo on Israel in the midst of its war with Hamas.
In a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu blasted the move:
“Instead of supporting Israel’s just war against Hamas—which carried out the most horrific attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust—Germany is rewarding Hamas terrorism by embargoing arms to Israel.”
The Israeli leader reiterated that Jerusalem’s war aim was not to occupy Gaza, but to liberate it from Hamas and pave the way for “a peaceful government to be established there.”
Merz announced the embargo earlier in the day, citing deep concern over the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population. He also warned Israel against any steps toward annexation in Judea and Samaria, while acknowledging:
“Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas terrorism—which must play no role in Gaza’s future governance.”
The German decision comes just hours after Israel’s Security Cabinet approved Netanyahu’s plan to conquer Gaza—a military move aimed at the total defeat of Hamas and the return of all hostages.
Merz’s stance marks a significant diplomatic rift, as Germany has traditionally been one of Israel’s most reliable allies in Europe. The arms embargo is expected to fuel debate over Europe’s role in the Gaza conflict and its willingness to supply military aid to Israel during wartime.
