Israeli Ambassador to Berlin Ron Prossor described Germany's decision to partially halt arms exports to Israel as a serious blow to bilateral relations, DPA reported, BTA reports.
“The ties are not completely severed, but they are under great strain“, Prossor said in an interview with Welt television. He expressed disappointment that instead of discussing the disarmament of the Palestinian group “Hamas“, the topic has turned to limiting Israel's armaments. “This is a celebration for “Hamas“, the diplomat emphasized.
Prossor acknowledged that the Israeli military strategy could be a matter of debate, but warned that if the solution was to “leave the country defenseless and unarmed“, it would mean “Israel would remain defenseless“.
Last week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that his country would not export weapons to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip. He argued the measure with Israel's plans to expand its military operations and take control of Gaza City.
Merz clarified that the pause in exports does not affect self-defense equipment, including air and naval defense systems.