Why it matters:
The demand comes amid growing international scrutiny over Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the broader implications of arms exports to an occupying regime facing allegations of genocide at the ICJ. If major F-35 partner nations halt shipments, it could significantly impact Israel’s air capabilities and set a precedent for arms control based on human rights considerations.
What they're saying:
The Australian Centre for International Justice (ACIJ), in a statement released Tuesday, emphasized that civil society organizations are urging all governmental partners in the F-35 supply chain—including Australia—to immediately cease both direct and indirect transfers of jet components to Israel.
So far, key F-35 partner countries—including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the UK, and the US—have not responded to the coalition’s demands to stop supplying the jets to Israel.
Key points:
- 232 human rights organizations from Europe, the US, Asia, and the Arab world signed the joint call.
- The coalition demands an immediate halt to the transfer of F-35 components to Israeli regime.
- Israel is currently facing accusations of genocide at the ICJ, a case initiated by South Africa.
- The F-35 program involves international partners, making arms supply decisions a matter of global accountability.
Go deeper:
The case filed by South Africa at the ICJ has intensified calls for restricting arms sales to Israel, reflecting growing concerns about international complicity in alleged war crimes. As pressure mounts, the response of Western governments—especially those directly involved in F-35 production—will be closely watched, potentially shaping future arms trade policies in conflict zones.
206
