Israel relied on Germany for components including gearboxes made by the Bavarian company Renk that are used in Merkava tanks. But Israel relied on Germany for components including gearboxes made by the Bavarian company Renk that are used in Merkava tanks operated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The vehicle has been the workhorse of Israel’s invasion of the besieged enclave. Following the partial embargo, Renk threatened to shift some production to the US so that it could continue supplying Israel. German chancellor Friedrich Merz announced an export freeze on weapons that could be used in Gaza in August.

Source: The Irish Times November 17, 2025 20:15 UTC