Standing With Israel: German Arms Giant Moves Production to Keep IDF Armed
A leading German arms manufacturer is ready to shift gearbox production to the U.S., sidestepping Berlin’s ban to ensure Israel’s tanks keep rolling, a bold show of loyalty that’s rattling Germany’s political establishment.
Twitter
German arms manufacturer Renk is considering the unusual move of transferring its gearbox production to the United States in order to bypass the arms embargo imposed by Germany on Israel and continue supplying it with tanks.
The company’s CEO, Alexander Sagel, stressed a deep commitment to Israel’s security, amid criticism and controversy in Germany.
According to Sagel, Renk has a “responsibility” to help Israel maintain its deterrence capabilities, even in the face of political restrictions in Berlin.
If implemented, the move could circumvent the German ban and embargo, since production in the U.S. would not be directly subject to Germany’s export restrictions. This is considered an exceptional step, demonstrating the company’s determination to continue its defense cooperation with Israel despite political pressure and international criticism.
Renk, one of the world’s leading suppliers of armored propulsion systems, provides gearboxes for German-made tanks currently in IDF service. Its decision could have far-reaching implications for the defense supply chain and for defense relations between the two countries.
As a reminder, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently decided to impose an arms embargo on Israel following Israel’s decision to occupy Gaza:
“We have decided to suspend the export of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza until further notice. I call on the Israeli government not to take further steps toward annexing the West Bank. I remain deeply concerned about the continued suffering of civilians in Gaza. Negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of the hostages are our top priorities.”
However, it has emerged that Merz’s decision took all members of his party and senior figures within it by surprise. In a post on X, Paul Ronzheimer, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the German newspaper Bild, wrote: “Apparently there were no prior consultations on this.”
He also quoted a prominent member of the ruling CDU party, which Merz leads, saying: “It’s simply crazy! Why now, of all times?”