The Netherlands continues to support the supply of F-35 components to Israel through the port of Rotterdam

F-35 fighter jets

Despite court injunctions and protests from human rights organizations, the Netherlands continues to play a key role in supplying components for F-35 fighter jets to Israel. According to the NGO, Maersk ships transporting parts between the United States and Israel pass through the port of Rotterdam, which remains an important transit hub in the "death supply chain" for the Israeli Air Force.

The Hague Court of Appeal ruled in 2023 to stop exporting F-35 spare parts to Israel due to concerns that these aircraft are being used in military operations in the Gaza Strip that violate international humanitarian law. Nevertheless, despite court decisions and criticism from human rights activists, the Dutch Ministry of Defense has signed contracts with Israeli companies, continuing the supply and modernization of weapons.

The port of Rotterdam, the largest in Europe, remains a strategic point for transporting F-35 components, which raises concerns among activists pointing to Dutch complicity in armed conflicts in the Middle East. Organizations such as Oxfam Netherlands are calling on the Government to end cooperation with Israel, citing high risks of human rights violations.

At the same time, the Dutch Government stresses the importance of maintaining defense cooperation with its allies and modernizing its armed forces to ensure the security of the country and the region.