Netherlands Recommends to Halt F-35 Component Exports to Israel

The Dutch Attorney General has recommended that the country's Supreme Court uphold a ruling demanding the Dutch government cease exporting components for F-35 fighter jets to Israel.

The recommendation, issued on Friday, follows a February ruling from the Hague Court of Appeal, which instructed the Dutch government to stop the export of these components over concerns about their potential use in violation of international law during the Gaza conflict.

The Dutch government had initially pledged to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court, arguing the export restrictions would hinder military cooperation with Israel.

However, the Attorney General's advice aligns with the earlier court findings, which cited a substantial risk that the F-35 jets could be used in actions breaching international humanitarian law in Gaza.

The Dutch government now faces a critical decision as it prepares to respond to the Supreme Court's final judgment.

If upheld, the ruling would mark a significant shift in the Netherlands' defense export policy, particularly in regard to military technology sent to Israel amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East.