Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Germany of "rewarding" Hamas with its decision to suspend arms exports to Israel that could be used in the 22-month war in the Gaza Strip. His office said he expressed disappointment in a conversation with Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday.

The prime minister's statement comes after a reportedly tense conversation with German Chancellor Fredrich Merz regarding Germany's halting of military aid to Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the IDF would only be expanding operations to demilitarize Hamas in a statement on X/Twitter on Friday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that Israel's goal is not to take over Gaza, but to free Gaza from Hamas and enable a peaceful government to be established there,