The EU currently lacks a provision prohibiting arms trade with Israel, despite the ongoing genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Gaza. Member states are permitted to continue exporting to and importing from Israel.
In the second part of the series titled “Western Support for Israeli Arms,” Anadolu interviewed David Cronin, an Irish journalist and author based in Brussels who is an expert on this issue. Cronin highlighted the ICJ’s interim measures, stating, “This should have been implemented earlier, sending a clear signal that countries worldwide have a duty not to support Israel’s genocide against Palestinians.”
He expressed concern that the ICJ ruling could lead to additional legal challenges regarding arms cooperation between Europe and Israel, raising alarms in some countries.
Cronin emphasized, “It’s crucial to note that despite some reduction, weapons cooperation between Europe and Israel continues unabated. Unfortunately, the European Union has not imposed a ban on arms trading with Israel.”
He criticized the EU for imposing an arms embargo on Russia in 2014 over Crimea but not on Israel during the same period, citing clear double standards. Cronin stressed, “The EU’s weapon cooperation with Israel effectively implicates it in Gaza’s ongoing genocide.”
Regarding specific countries, Cronin pointed out that Germany not only exports arms to Israel but also imports from them, citing recent discussions on potential German purchases of the Arrow 3 missile from Israel Aerospace Industries.
He also mentioned the UK’s ongoing arms trade with Israel, highlighting the presence of Israeli weapons company Elbit Systems in Britain.
Regarding France, Cronin noted indications of potential halts to arms sales to Israel due to Gaza’s situation, but emphasized the need for further investigation.
Cronin criticized the participation of Israeli companies in arms fairs like Eurosatory, noting their integration into weapons systems showcased by Dutch, Spanish, and Polish firms.
In conclusion, Cronin argued for a comprehensive ban on all trade between Israel and the EU, given the longstanding and sophisticated nature of their arms cooperation.
