Belgian Court Orders Flemish Government to Block Military Shipments to Israel

Kokcha News Agency: A Belgian court has issued a landmark decision requiring the Flemish regional government to halt the shipment of military equipment and dual-use goods to Israel. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by four Belgian NGOs—Vredesactie, Intal, 11.11.11, and the Belgian Human Rights League—who argued that such shipments violate national arms trade laws and international humanitarian law.

The court ordered the Flemish government, which oversees the Port of Antwerp (Europe’s second-largest port), to prevent the transit of military equipment and dual-use goods to Israel. The court also warned that the government must regularly enforce arms trade regulations or face fines of €50,000 per violation.

The ruling referenced documented violations of international law by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories since October 7, 2023. The case was sparked by the discovery of conical roller bearings in a container in Antwerp, destined for Ashot Ashkelon Industries, an Israeli defense company that produces parts for Merkava tanks and Namer armored vehicles.

**Reaction from Flemish Government:**
Flemish Prime Minister Matthias Diependaele criticized the court’s decision, calling it “detached from reality” and arguing that the court was demanding action in “legally unpermitted situations.” Diependaele questioned the “impact and scope” of the ruling and stated that the Flemish government has no choice but to appeal.

This decision follows a May 28, 2024, move by the Walloon government to ban the transfer of weapons to Israel via airports, also in response to pressure from NGOs.