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.

The Hague Group – A group of 12 countries, known as The Hague Group, committed at a July 2025 summit to halting all arms transfers to Israel. The countries were Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and South Africa. Turkey later said it would follow the measures.

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.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany's stance on the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza remains unchanged despite his government's order