The German cabinet has approved 1200 troops, a Tornado reconnaissance aircraft and a naval frigade.
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In a bilateral meeting with Hollande, German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged Germany’s support for the coalition. A vote by parliament is expected on Wednesday. It also intends to send Tornado reconnaissance aircraft, tanker planes and a warship in support roles – but will not actively engage in combat.
In addition, a frigate will be sent as escort for the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which has been deployed to participate in operations against the IS.
“We are doing what is militarily needed, what we can do best and can accept politically”, he said.
The mandate is for one year at a cost of €134 million (RM600.4 million) and can be extended in 2016.
A letter from the German foreign and defence ministries said the deployment was aimed at preventing “terrorist acts” in the wake of the Paris attacks, and supporting France and other partners in their fight against Isis.
“The top line is: there will be no cooperation with Assad and no cooperation with troops under his command”, Ursula von der Leyen told ARD television, defending the plans.
Speaking to the Bild newspaper on Tuesday, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for the mobilization of “all forces” to defeat Daesh, including the possibility of cooperation with Syrian government forces.
“The direct participation in the fight against Islamic State represents an intensification of our security-policy engagement in the region”, according to government talking points cited in the draft.
The British Parliament is also due to decide this week whether or not the country should take part in bombaring territories under ISIS’ control.
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Some lawmakers from the opposition Left and Greens parties have expressed doubts about the military mandate in Syria, saying the battle can’t be won with military means.
