Dutch court will block the export of fighter plane parts to Israel
A court in the Netherlands on Monday ordered the Dutch government to stop exporting parts for F-35 fighter jets to Israel, a move that reflected growing concern over the heavy civilian toll of Israel's war in Gaza but is unlikely to would have an immediate effect on the fight against Israel. military campaign.
The Netherlands hosts a warehouse of American-owned F-35 parts that are exported to countries that operate the fighters. Oxfam and two other human rights organizations filed a lawsuit against the Dutch government in December, demanding it halt exports over concerns about possible Israeli violations of international law in Gaza.
A court made an initial ruling in December refused to issue the order, but on Monday an appeals court in The Hague said it agreed with the rights groups. It gave the Dutch government seven days to stop exporting F-35 parts to Israel.
“The court finds that there is a clear risk that Israeli F-35 fighter jets could be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law.” said in a statement.
The Dutch government said it would appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, which came when Prime Minister Mark Rutte was visiting Israel. The Israeli Ministry of Defense declined to comment.
More than 28,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched a retaliatory war against Hamas after the armed group's deadly attack on October 7, according to health officials there. Rights groups have increasingly called on countries to block arms exports to Israel, in protest at the way the country is carrying out its offensive.
Analysts said Monday's ruling would have little impact on the Israeli military's capabilities, as the country has other weapons and because F-35 parts are available elsewhere.
“If for some reason one supplier cannot deliver, parts can be sourced from another supplier,” said Gareth Jennings, aviation editor at defense intelligence agency Janes.
At this point, he added, the Dutch ruling “appears to be a symbolic act rather than one that has any meaningful effect on the Israeli F-35 fleet.”
The F-35, made by US defense contractor Lockheed Martin, is considered one of the most expensive weapons programs in history. Each plane carries a price tag of about $80 million to $100 million; the planes are able to evade enemy radar and use a very advanced software system.
More than a dozen to land – including Israel, the United States and Great Britain — own or have placed orders for F-35s. Israel was the first known to have used one in combat, saying in May 2018 that it had used the F-35 in two airstrikes in the Middle East, without specifying the targets.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday. In December, US military officials confirmed that the United States had sent additional support for fighters to Israel after the October 7 attacks.
“Since early October, the F-35 program has provided tremendous support to Israel,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt. a House Armed Services subcommittee told.
Gabby Sobelman reporting contributed.