Germany has lifted the embargo on direct arms exports to Saudi Arabia, signaling a shift in policy by approving the sale of missiles, as announced by government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit on Wednesday.
Hebestreit substantiated a report from the German weekly Spiegel, affirming that Berlin has officially sanctioned the export of 150 Iris-T air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia.
‘The details of this report are accurate,’ said Hebestreit, speaking at a regular government news conference.
Spiegel reported that approval for the export of missiles, produced by the German group Diehl Defence, was granted towards the close of last year.
The 2018 murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul prompted Germany to enforce a ban on arms sales to Riyadh.
Berlin has recently shifted its position on weapons exports to the kingdom, citing Saudi Arabia’s “constructive approach” in the Israel-Hamas war.
Read also: Germany Offers To Sell Eurofighter Jets To Saudi Arabia
But Berlin has loosened its stance on weapons exports to the kingdom recently, with the government praising Saudi Arabia’s “constructive approach” in the Israel-Hamas war.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized on Sunday that Saudi Arabia has consistently retained its intention to normalize relations with Israel, despite the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Riyadh has actively sought to intercept missiles launched at Israel by Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen.
On Monday, Berlin signaled a policy adjustment by stating its readiness to grant approval for the export of Eurofighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
Its longstanding use of veto rights within the defense partnership behind the jet had, until now, thwarted a deal sought by London since 2018.