Final arguments have been heard, and a decision is imminent from the Dutch Supreme Court in a case that could permanently block the shipment of F-35 fighter jet parts from the Netherlands to Israel. The government is appealing a ban imposed by a lower court amid the ongoing Gaza war.
The case originated from a lawsuit by human rights organizations contending that the Netherlands is legally and morally culpable for facilitating Israel’s military actions. They argue that under international law, the state must cease exports that risk contributing to war crimes.
An appeals court in February 2024 agreed with this view, ordering a halt to the transfers and dealing a significant blow to the government’s policy. The government’s appeal to the highest court is an attempt to reassert its control over foreign policy and national security matters, arguing these are beyond the judiciary’s scope.
A key point of contention is the practical effect of the ban. The government insists it would be meaningless because the parts are owned by the United States, which would find an alternative supply route. The plaintiffs argue that upholding the law is a matter of principle, regardless of the immediate practical outcome.
This legal showdown is taking place as the conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, continues to draw international condemnation for its high civilian death toll. The Dutch case is part of a broader European trend of using legal and political means to challenge military support for Israel, with similar actions seen in Spain, the UK, and Belgium.