Why it matters:
The ruling forces the Dutch government to reassess its suspended export license for F-35 jet parts to Israel, amid concerns they may contribute to violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. It underscores judicial scrutiny over arms trade ethics and pressures governments to align foreign policy with human rights obligations.
The big picture:
This decision reflects a wider European reassessment of arms exports to conflict zones.
As civilian casualties mount in Gaza, countries like Slovenia, Spain, and the U.K. have already restricted arms sales to Israel. The Netherlands joins a broader legal and political movement questioning complicity in global warfare through defense trade
What they're saying:
The court did not uphold a ban on the export of parts for F-35 fighter jets ordered by a lower court last year, but ruled that the government needed to assess by itself whether there was a risk that the jet parts would be used in violation of international law.
It gave the government six weeks to make this review, during which the export of fighter jet parts would still be banned.
Go deeper:
Israel's Top European Supporter Suspends Arms Exports to Gaza
Hossein Amiri - A.Akbari
