German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that despite the decision, Berlin's approach toward Israel has not changed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hopes Merz will reconsider.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany's stance on the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza remains unchanged despite his government's order

For a start, the development marks the first time that Berlin has effectively imposed sanctions on Israel over the current war. That's proven unpopular inside his party, since Merz's allies accuse him of abandoning Israel – making matters worse, they say he did not consult them first. And they have not been shy about making themselves heard.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Germany's decision to partially halt arms exports was driven by public and media pressure. Speaking at a Jerusalem press conference on Sunday, Netanyahu called Chancellor Friedrich Merz "a good friend of Israel" but said he "buckled under the pressure of false TV reports,