Dutch Court Orders Halt to Export of F-35 Fighter Jet Parts to Israel

The Hague, Netherlands - In a landmark decision, judges at The Hague Court of Appeals have ordered the Dutch government to immediately cease the export of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel. This ruling comes in response to a civil suit filed by three human rights organizations, who argued that the Netherlands must reconsider their export license due to the potential involvement in Israeli war crimes.

Initially, a lower court had ruled in favor of the government, allowing them to continue exporting U.S.-owned parts stored in Woensdrecht to Israel. However, the recent decision by the appeals court has overturned this ruling and mandated an immediate cessation of exports within seven days.

While this ruling is being celebrated by advocates for human rights, it remains subject to appeal.

Judge Bas Boele, in delivering the court's decision, emphasized the undeniable risk that the exported F-35 parts could be utilized in serious violations of international humanitarian law. The ruling was met with enthusiastic cheers from those present in the courtroom.

Government lawyers have argued that such a ban on transfers from the Netherlands would be ineffective, as the United States could easily supply these parts from alternative sources. It is noteworthy that Lockheed Martin is the manufacturer of the F-35 fighter jets in question.

This development marks a significant step in the ongoing debate surrounding arms exports and their potential impact on human rights worldwide.

— contributed to this story