Germany’s government will indefinitely halt all military equipment exports that could be used in Gaza, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Friday. The statement comes after the Israeli Security Cabinet agreed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to occupy Gaza City, a plan that makes it more feasible for Netanyahu to achieve his original objective of a gradual occupation of the entire Gaza Strip. Merz said Israel “has the right to defend itself against Hamas’ terror,” and insisted Germany’s priority is a ceasefire negotiation and the release of the Israeli hostages Hamas took during its brutal Oct. 7 attack on...