In late 2018, Germany suspended arms sales to Saudi Arabia, following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, allegedly by the agents of the Saudi government. But German attitudes toward Saudi Arabia are now more favorable. According to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Riyadh has helped prevent the spread of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza by contributing to Israel’s safety (Deutsche Welle, January 10, 2024).