Germany’s Left party has opposed a potential defence partnership between German carmaker Volkswagen and Israeli arms manufacturer Rafael. The discussions concern producing components for Rafael’s Iron Dome air-defence system at Volkswagen’s Osnabrück plant. Proposed production reportedly includes military trucks, missile launchers and power-supply equipment.

Thomas Gross, a Left party leader and candidate for mayor of Osnabrück, said the party supports producing civilian minibuses at the factory instead. He said such vehicles are needed for public transport in rural areas. Gross argued that investment in climate protection and addressing climate-change impacts is more urgent than higher military spending, and said military industry plans conflict with Osnabrück’s tradition as a city of peace.

The proposal has already prompted debate in Germany as Volkswagen undergoes major restructuring amid competition from China, weak demand and high costs. Vehicle production at the Osnabrück factory could end after 2027, with defence-sector partnerships raised as a possible alternative use. Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, one of Volkswagen’s largest shareholders, had also reportedly objected to military-production proposals. The Left says cooperation with an Israeli defence company amid the Gaza war could make Germany’s foreign and defence policy more contentious.