Germany authorized the export of an undisclosed number of Matador rocket launchers to Israel during the latter half of 2024, according to a report published by the weekly newspaper “Die Zeit”. This approval occurred at a time when concerns regarding potential war crimes committed by the Israeli military in Gaza were being raised by several high-ranking United Nations officials.
The Matador weapon system has reportedly been deployed in urban combat within the Gaza Strip. “Die Zeit’s” investigation relies on classified documents as well as interviews with former government officials involved in the decision-making process.
Previously, it was publicly known that the German government had approved the export of 3,000 Matador rocket launchers to Israel-among other arms shipments-following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
The report also details a commitment made by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, dated October 8, 2024. This document states that all weapons or military equipment supplied from Germany, or containing components originating from Germany, will be used solely in accordance with international humanitarian law.
The German government had requested such a commitment prior to resuming increased export approvals after a period of reduced shipments. However, the document does “not” include an assurance that German weapons would not be deployed within the Gaza Strip itself.