Netherlands Tightens Control Of Exports Of Military Goods To Israel

Israeli F-35 fighter jet base. (Wikimedia Commons/Amit Agronov/IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

JAKARTA - The Dutch government said on Monday it had tightened export controls for all military goods and "double uses" aimed at Israel.

All direct exports and transits of this type of goods to Israel will be examined to see if the items comply with European regulations, and will no longer be covered by public export licenses, the government said in a letter to parliament.

"This is desirable given the security situation in Israel, the Palestinian territories, and the wider region," Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp and Trade Minister Reinette Klever wrote.

"Exportors can still ask for permission, which will then be checked under European regulations," the letter continued.

The Dutch government said no military goods for Israel were exported from the Netherlands under general permission since Israel began its war in Gaza following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

It said general licenses for the export of "low-risk information security items", such as routers for network security, were often used for exports to Israel.

It is estimated that between 50 and 100 permits for the export of these goods must now be requested individually.

Last year, a Dutch court ordered the government to block all exports of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel due to fears the parts were used to violate international law during the war in Gaza.

Israel denies violating international law in its war in Palestinian enclaves.