For decades, Germany has stood squarely in Israel’s corner, its dark history of Jewish persecution shaping its modern-day policy of virtually unquestioned backing.

Since the large-scale Hamas attacks in October 2023, the German government has approved arms exports worth around €485 million ($554 million) to Israel, according to the Economy Ministry. A letter from State Secretary Bernhard Kluttig seen by dpa shows these approvals cover the period from October 7,