Germany’s halt of certain weapons exports to Israel has drawn condemnation from Jewish groups and members of Chancellor Merz’s own coalition.

BERLIN (Reuters) -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.

Germany's partial embargo on arms exports to Israel could have limited practical implications, as Berlin has already restricted sales of weapons and equipment used by the Israeli military in Gaza, an internal document revealed on Monday.

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.

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.

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.

Germany is to suspend exports of weaponry that could be used in the Gaza Stripbecause of Israel's plan to expand its operations there - the first time united Germany has acknowledged denying military support to its long-time ally.

Following Germany's suspension of arms exports to Israel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has slammed Chancellor Friedrich Merz for faltering in the matter. "He can neither unite his government behind him nor his parliamentary group,

Germany halts arms exports to Israel for use in Gaza, citing concerns over Israel's military plans to take control of the area.