Germany Applies Military Sanctions on Israel

BERLIN: In response to the Israeli military assault on the occupied territories, Germany decided to apply direct economic pressure on Israel by suspending supply of military equipment.
Germany becomes the first European country to apply direct economic pressure on Israel.



German Defence Minister Rudolf Scharping said the move was aimed at "a signal" to Israel over the Middle East conflict. In an interview with public television network ZDF the minister said that while the policy was not an "embargo", it intended as a response to Israel's invasion of West Bank town and massive assault on Palestinians.

Germany, known as the least critical European state of Israel, is Israel's largest EU trading partner.

The German move follows an European Parliament vote on Wednesday to suspend a trading arrangement between Israel and the European Union.

On Monday European foreign ministers are due to discuss the possibility of sanctions against Israel at their regular monthly meeting in Luxembourg.

Switzerland also suggested last week it may cut back military cooperation with Israel.