Dutch court rejects ban on transferring parts of fighter jet F-35 to Israel
On Friday, a Dutch court rejected a plea from a coalition of human rights and humanitarian organizations seeking to halt the transfer of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel. These organizations had approached the court on December 4, arguing that the delivery of these parts implicated the Netherlands in potential war crimes committed by Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas. The components in question are currently stored in a warehouse in Woensdrecht, the Netherlands.
In response, the Hague District Court issued a written statement asserting that the Dutch government had thoroughly considered the relevant interests before approving the delivery of the F-35 parts. Human rights lawyer Liesbeth Zegveld, representing the organizations, contended that despite warnings about the potential contribution to serious breaches of the laws of war, the Dutch government prioritized economic interests and diplomatic reputation.
During the civil case in The Hague, government lawyer Reimer Veldhuis argued that implementing a ban on transfers from the Netherlands would be ineffectual, as the United States could still provide these parts to Israel from an alternative location. It remains uncertain whether the organizations involved in the case will choose to appeal the court’s decision.
War can continue for months
On a broader international scale, the United States aligns with Israel in projecting that the fight against Hamas will extend over several months. However, officials are engaged in discussions about the timeline for transitioning from high-intensity combat to more targeted operations. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indicated that it would take months to dismantle Hamas, although the specific phase of heavy airstrikes and ground battles referred to in his estimate remains unclear.
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U.S. envoy Sullivan addressed concerns on Friday, emphasizing that acknowledging the lengthy duration of the conflict does not contradict the likelihood of different phases taking place at varying times over the course of those months. This includes the transition from high-intensity operations to more precisely targeted efforts, reflecting a nuanced approach to the evolving situation.