German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock admitted that Berlin had received a letter from Israel promising to adhere to “international humanitarian law” when using German-supplied weapons.
Baerbock addressed the German Bundestag (parliament) on Wednesday, 16 October. She insisted that halting arms sales to Israel was out of the question, responding to the country’s recent reluctance to approve the export of ammunition and tank parts to Israel.
However, she emphasised that the German government had an obligation to ensure respect for international humanitarian law. The minister stressed that every request for weapons was examined in accordance with German laws and regulations.
The confirmation followed German media reports that Baerbock and Economy Minister Robert Habeck had blocked arms sales to Israel at the country’s Federal Security Council, demanding written guarantees.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed on Wednesday that Israel would continue to receive German arms and ammunition.
