In a recent development, the Dutch court has ordered the Dutch government to halt the export of F-35 fighter jet parts. This export ban specifically targets shipments to Israel, citing various concerns.
The order to cease F-35 parts export to Israel was issued on Monday, the 12th of February. This decision stems from apprehensions that the F-35 aircraft in Israel might be employed in violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, Palestine, as reported by detikINET from Reuters.
"It cannot be denied that there is a clear risk that the exported F-35 parts will be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law," stated the Dutch court.
The Dutch court has given a seven-day deadline for the Dutch government to comply with the order and to disseminate it across all European countries. However, Israel has denied any breaches of international humanitarian law.
Previously, the Netherlands served as one of the warehouses for F-35 parts, responsible for distributing components to F-35 user countries. In this context, Israel has received F-35 parts once since the start of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
"We hope that this decision will strengthen international law in other countries so that the people of Gaza are also protected by international law," said Michiel Servaes, director of Oxfam Novib, a Dutch social foundation.
Israel's F-35I Adir Variant
Presently, Israel operates a variant of the F-35 known as the F-35I Adir, distinct from the standard F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C variants. The F-35I Adir is specifically tailored for Israel's needs.
The F-35I Adir fleet became operational in 2017 with an initial quantity of 50 units. However, Israel acquired an additional 25 units, bringing their current F-35I Adir count to 75.
Some specific capabilities of the F-35I Adir include the ability to intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Nevertheless, there is no official confirmation regarding the type of missiles used for intercepting ICBMs.
Since the outbreak of the Israel-Palestine conflict, the F-35I Adir has been utilized to intercept cruise missiles potentially launched by the Houthis.
