LONDON Ñ Germany is under pressure to end its extended, albeit secret, defense relationship with Israel.

The government in Berlin has been inundated by complaints from churches and human rights groups that Germany is helping Israel in its war with the Palestinians. Germany both exports and imports defense systems from Israel amid a German law that bans the export of weapons to regions in crisis.

The protests have prompted a decision by Germany's parliament to discuss Berlin's defense relationship with Israel, Middle East Newsline reported. Parliamentarians said the discussion could include the first details of Germany's exports to the Jewish state and their use.

"We are always asked on every occasion as to how much weapons are we are delivering to Israel," Christof Musbauer, a parliamentarian from the ruling Social Democratic Party, said.

Israel is the seventh largest importer of German weapons. In a government report released in November, Israel was said to have imported 177 million euros in 2000. The imports consisted of the Dolphin-class submarines and spare parts for tanks.

The government has so far rejected calls for an arms embargo on Israel. Officials said Berlin maintains a commitment to the security interests of Israel.

Last week, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Sabine Sparwasser cited what she termed "the legitimate security interests of the state of Israel" as well as the "special responsibility" of Germany towards Israel.

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