Dutch court halts F‑35 aircraft parts supply to Israel over Gaza concerns

The Court of Appeal in The Hague has directed the Netherlands to halt the deliveries of parts for F-35 fighters to Israel within seven days, the order was given on Monday (February 12).

The lawsuit originated last year and was brought forward by Dutch non-governmental organizations, including Amnesty International's local branch. The activists have consistently raised concerns over civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip, where confrontations have taken place between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas.

According to these organizations, the Netherlands is assisting in significant violations of international humanitarian law, a standpoint with which the judges concurred.

The parts for the US-made F-35 aircraft are stored in a warehouse in the Netherlands - it was explained in December during the initial court hearings. Several partners, Israel included, are exporting these components under extant agreements.

During final arguments last year, the government's lawyers argued that if the Dutch failed to supply Israel with these parts from their warehouse, the Israeli side could simply source them from elsewhere. Additionally, they noted that the delivery decisions are political and should not be objected to by the Dutch judiciary.

In the wake of Monday's verdict, which is considered groundbreaking, the government stated its intention to appeal to the Supreme Court. They argue that foreign policy issues should lie within the domain of the state.

"Naturally, the government respects the ruling of the Court of Appeal and will abide by it," was noted in an official statement, before adding, "In the government's view, supplying F-35 parts to Israel does not breach any law." They emphasized the crucial role the F-35 aircraft plays in ensuring Israel's security.

Source: Anadolu Agency