Netherlands Court Demands Review of F-35 Parts Export to Israel

The Supreme Court of the Netherlands called for the government to reassess its export policies on Friday, stipulating that Netherlands' arms exports to Israel must be reviewed. While the court declined to impose a permanent ban on F-35 fighter jet parts, it emphasized the need for thorough evaluation concerning potential breaches of international law.

Presiding Judge Martijn Polak stated that, until a new decision is made regarding the export license, the current restrictions remain in place, prohibiting F-35 parts exports to Israel. The ruling followed a February 2024 order from The Hague's Court of Appeal, which had halted the export due to risks of violations of humanitarian law in Gaza.

The Netherlands, hosting a U.S. regional warehouse for F-35 parts, has been supplying two countries, including Israel. The review comes amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza since attacks by Hamas on southern Israel led to widespread devastation and accusations of international law violations, which Israel denies.

(With inputs from agencies.)