A fresh poll indicates that most Germans are in favor of pausing arms shipments to "Israel" amid the continued assault on Gaza. Conducted by the INSA polling institute on behalf of the global activist group Avaaz, the survey found that 58% of respondents support a temporary freeze on arms exports, while 22% are against such a measure. An additional 19% either chose not to answer or were undecided.

The survey, carried out between May 28 and May 30 with a sample of 1,001 individuals, coincides with growing public discontent and intensifying scrutiny of Germany's military support to the Israeli regime. The pressure has escalated amid the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, the majority of them civilians.

Policy Reversal

This shift in public opinion is mirrored at the political level. On May 27, Chancellor Friedrich Merz signaled a potential policy reversal, stating during a visit to Finland: "We are appalled by the terrible suffering of the civilian population. The massive military strikes by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip no longer make any sense to me in terms of how they serve the goal of fighting terrorism and freeing the hostages." He acknowledged that Germany's support for "Israel" would now be "discussed internally," offering no specific timeline for action.

The rhetorical shift represents a departure from the unwavering support shown by Merz's predecessor, Olaf Scholz, and appears to be part of a broader recalibration of German foreign policy, particularly as Berlin seeks closer alignment with EU partners and faces mounting criticism from both domestic constituencies and international actors.

One such challenge emerged in March 2025, when Nicaragua filed a case against Germany at the International Court of Justice, accusing Berlin of aiding and abetting genocide through continued arms transfers to "Israel" despite clear evidence of mass civilian casualties.

Arming Apartheid

In response to the legal and moral pressure, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has announced a review of Germany's weapons shipments, stating that the government must assess whether the exports are compatible with international humanitarian law. "Israel must still be able to defend itself," he added, indicating the government may halt or limit specific exports. However, critics argue that this framing continues to prioritize Israeli military objectives over Palestinian lives.

In contrast, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has defended continued arms transfers, invoking Germany's so-called "historical responsibility" and repeating the widely challenged claim that "Israel" has a right to self-defense.

Palestinians and many across the Arab world reject this narrative, viewing "Israel" not as a legitimate state but as a colonial outpost established to suppress Arab liberation and obstruct regional self-determination.

Read more: Germany decries Gaza toll while fueling war with weapons to 'Israel'

Germany authorized €326.5 million in arms exports to "Israel" in 2023, marking a tenfold increase from the previous year. Even in 2024, as images of bombed hospitals and starving children dominated headlines, Berlin approved an additional €161 million in military exports, including €94 million between August and October alone. Rights groups have denounced these transfers as active complicity in war crimes.

Avaaz, which commissioned the INSA poll, has called for an immediate end to German arms shipments to "Israel", citing legal and ethical obligations under international law. The organization describes itself as a global civic network aiming to influence policy through grassroots mobilization.