Reports: Germany consulted Israel before ICJ genocide case defense

Germany coordinated with Israeli officials about what information to reveal during its defense at the International Court of Justice against genocide in Gaza, according to German media investigations. The reports suggest Berlin may not have provided complete information about military supplies transferred to Israel from German army stockpiles.

Documentary Evidence of Coordination

German magazine Stern reported that correspondence from Germany's Defense Ministry confirms consultations occurred with Israel before Germany's ICJ appearance last April. The ministry reportedly acknowledged to a German administrative court that "in consultation with the relevant state (Israel), the German government decided to disclose, during the hearing in The Hague, details beyond those contained in the arms export report." This coordination reportedly concerned medical supplies and helmets provided from military reserves.

Discrepancies in Official Testimony

During ICJ proceedings, Germany's representative stated that Israel received no combat weapons from German army stockpiles in 2023 and claimed the military had only provided "medical aid supplies and helmets." However, documents obtained by media outlets indicate Germany considered supplying 10,000 units of 120-millimeter precision ammunition for Israeli tanks from army reserves, with the German representative confirming the request was under review. The semi-annual arms export report doesn't include detailed information about weapons provided from army stockpiles.

Legal Context and International Scrutiny

The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights criticized Germany's information policy, noting that disclosing details to the international court only with Israel's approval raises concerns about transparency. The organization suggested the ICJ might have received only information authorized by Israel. Nicaragua had brought the case against Germany, accusing Berlin of facilitating genocide by providing political, financial and military support to Israel, noting Germany is the second-largest supplier of weapons to Israel.