A German arms maker said Wednesday that it would not toe its chancellor’s announced arms embargo on Israel, citing its sense of “responsibility” to the Jewish state.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Renk CEO Alexander Sagel said, “Of course, we see all the discussions about the Gaza Strip. But from the German point of view, we have a responsibility to ensure that Israel is able to maintain its deterrence capabilities.”

“These are not only needed in Gaza, but also at other borders,” he pointed out.