The move has sparked growing criticism from within his own coalition parties, who object to the abrupt reversal in Germany’s policy without prior consultation, and say it was based solely on the chancellor’s personal decision.

In a background memo sent to coalition partners, Merz wrote that Israel’s “deliberate escalation” in Gaza was worsening social tensions within Germany and Europe, and that this was the basis for his embargo decision.

Coalition members were surprised that Merz effectively redefined Israel from victim to aggressor—something not aligned with the current government’s foreign policy stance.