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.

BERLIN (AP) — Germany won’t authorize any exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza “until further notice,” Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday, in a strikingly quick response by one of Israel’s strongest international backers to a decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet to take over Gaza City.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday defended his decision to halt certain arms exports to Israel amid growing dissent even in the ranks of his own party. "The principles of German policy on Israel remain unchanged,

The move followed weeks of debate over reports of hunger in Gaza, but it was precipitated by Israel’s decision to expand military operations there.

Germany's decision to curb arms exports to Israel comes in response to Israel's plan to expand its operations in the Gaza Strip, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday in an interview with public broadcaster ARD.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday defended halting some weapons deliveries to Israel amid mounting criticism of the move from some within his own ranks.

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.

The head of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's office has rejected accusations that Berlin is making a risky change in its policy toward Israel by halting certain arms exports. "There should be no doubt whatsoever that the basic principles of Germany's Israel policy remain unchanged,