The arms trade to Israel has evolved into a significant global enterprise, with various nations contributing to Israel's military capabilities. The report by Action on Armed Violence, titled "Who is Arming Israel?", provides an in-depth analysis of the arms sold or provided to Israel by countries including the UK, US, and Germany. This report highlights the continuation and expansion of arms exports, despite persistent allegations of war crimes committed by the Israeli armed forces. The data reveals that Germany stands out as the second-largest arms exporter to Israel, accounting for 30% of its arms imports. In 2023, Germany licensed €326.5 million in munitions to Israel, marking a staggering tenfold increase from the previous year.
Germany's arms exports to Israel have surged dramatically, reflecting a robust commitment to military cooperation. Between 2019 and 2023, Germany issued 185 individual export permits for various military equipment, including bombs, torpedoes, and missiles. The investigative unit Forensic Architecture reported that since 2003, Germany has authorized over 4,427 arms export licenses to Israel, valued at approximately €3.3 billion. The bulk of these exports consists of air defense systems and communication equipment, which are critical components of Israel's military infrastructure. Despite mounting pressure from civil society groups urging the German government to halt these exports, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's administration has maintained a firm stance on supporting Israel's right to defend itself, prioritizing arms export approvals as a matter of national interest.
In early 2024, Germany's commitment was further evidenced when it agreed to deliver 10,000 rounds of 120mm tank ammunition produced by Rheinmetall, Germany’s largest arms manufacturer. This decision faced backlash from various sectors of German society, including a petition signed by over 600 civil servants calling for an immediate cessation of arms deliveries to Israel. They argued that the continued support contradicts international law and exacerbates human suffering in Gaza.
France has also played a pivotal role in arming Israel, with a history of supplying components for military applications. Recent allegations surfaced regarding the provision of ammunition components used by the Israeli army, which the French Defence Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, denied. However, investigative reports indicate that Marseille-based firm Eurolinks sold M27 links to Israel, which are used to join rifle cartridges into belts for machine guns. These components could potentially be used against civilians in conflict zones like Gaza.
Between 2014 and 2022, France issued export licenses worth €2.5 billion to Israel, making it one of the top suppliers of military equipment. Notably, components from French manufacturers have previously been implicated in civilian casualties during conflicts, including incidents where French-made missiles were linked to the deaths of Palestinian civilians. This history has led to calls for accountability and a reevaluation of arms sales policies. French lawmakers, including MP Mathilde Panot, have urged the government to halt all military exports to Israel, citing moral and legal obligations to prevent complicity in human rights violations.
India has emerged as a notable player in the arms export market, with transactions to Israel totaling $258.11 million from 2014 to 2022. The Indian defense sector, comprising firms like Adani Defence and Aerospace, has supplied a diverse range of military goods, including cartridges, munitions, and combat weapons. The partnership between India and Israel reflects broader geopolitical alignments, with both countries sharing strategic interests in defense technology and counter-terrorism efforts.
Adani Defence's joint venture with Israel's Elbit Systems has been particularly significant, focusing on the production and export of advanced drones and surveillance systems. This collaboration not only enhances India's defense capabilities but also solidifies its position as a key supplier to Israel. However, this growing relationship raises questions about India's commitment to human rights, particularly in light of ongoing violence in the region. Critics argue that India should reconsider its military ties with Israel, especially given the humanitarian crises resulting from the conflict in Gaza.
The Netherlands has taken a cautious approach to arms exports, particularly concerning F-35 jets. In February 2024, the Dutch Court of Appeal identified substantial risks associated with these aircraft being used in violations of international humanitarian law, leading to a ban on exporting parts to Israel. This decision reflects a growing awareness among European nations regarding the ethical implications of arms sales and the potential for complicity in human rights violations.
Other European nations, including Belgium, Italy, and Norway, have expressed varying degrees of restriction on arms sales to Israel. Belgium, for instance, suspended two licenses for ammunition exports to Israel, citing legal concerns and the need to adhere to international law. Italy, while still supplying military equipment, has faced domestic pressure to halt arms sales, especially in light of ongoing conflicts. Norway's laws ostensibly prohibit selling weapons to countries engaged in war, yet loopholes exist that allow for indirect sales through foreign companies.
The continuation of arms exports to Israel amidst allegations of war crimes raises significant ethical questions. The international community, including human rights organizations and legal bodies, has called for greater transparency in arms trading practices. Countries like Germany and France face mounting pressure to reevaluate their arms export policies, especially in light of their historical responsibilities and commitments to international law. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader implications of military support to Israel necessitate a critical examination of the motivations behind these arms deals.
The lack of transparency in the arms export process further complicates the issue. End-User Certifications are supposed to ensure that military equipment is not misused, but the effectiveness of these certifications is often questioned. Critics argue that the current regulatory frameworks are inadequate in preventing the misuse of arms, particularly in conflict zones where civilian populations are at risk.
As the arms trade to Israel continues to expand, the ethical implications of these transactions cannot be ignored. The intersection of profit, geopolitical interests, and human rights concerns creates a complex landscape that demands greater scrutiny and accountability. The actions of countries like Germany, France, and India will be closely monitored, as the global community grapples with the consequences of their military support to Israel in the context of ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.
International legal frameworks, such as the Arms Trade Treaty, aim to regulate the transfer of conventional arms and prevent their use in human rights abuses. However, the effectiveness of these treaties relies heavily on the commitment of individual nations to adhere to their principles. As more countries face scrutiny for their arms exports, the need for robust regulatory mechanisms and accountability measures becomes increasingly urgent.
The future of arms exports to Israel remains uncertain, as the international community continues to scrutinize military transactions and their implications. With growing public awareness and activism around issues of human rights and military accountability, nations may find it increasingly challenging to justify arms sales to Israel, especially in light of ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises.
As countries navigate the complexities of military trade, the need for ethical considerations and adherence to international law will be paramount. The evolving landscape of global arms exports to Israel underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and a commitment to preventing human rights violations in conflict zones.
