Tag: Friedrich Merz

Israel expects Germany to lift arms export halt after Gaza ceasefire

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the start of the closed meeting of the Federal Cabinet of the CDU, CSU and SPD on September 30, 2025, in Berlin | Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Israel has urged Germany to lift its partial arms export halt and travel warning following the Gaza ceasefire. Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel said the restrictions should end and backed German participation in the Gaza peace process, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz signalled the export freeze may be reviewed.

German minister expects challenges to drone defence law

Alexander Dobrindt, German Minister of the Interior attends the Bundestag session on the first reading of the planned Collective Bargaining Act on October 10, 2025 in Berlin | Photo: Niklas Graeber/dpa

Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt warned of legal challenges to a bill expanding the Bundeswehr’s role in domestic drone defence after a surge in suspected Russian drone sightings. The plan would strengthen police capabilities and create a joint defence centre, but faces constitutional concerns over military involvement in internal security.