On July 8, 2025, a Belgian court mandated the Flemish government to halt the transit of military supplies to Israel, stemming from the discovery of military hardware at the Antwerp port earlier that year. This ruling, issued by the Court of First Instance in Brussels, prohibits not only the shipment that was intercepted but also any future transfers of arms to Israel—a nation increasingly criticized in the West for its military operations in Gaza. Adding weight to the decision, the court also imposed a financial penalty of €50,000 for any military shipments that may be sent to Israel. The ruling was prompted by a complaint filed in June by four Flemish organizations highlighting concerns over the humanitarian impacts of military exports.
The specifics of the case revealed that the containers found in Antwerp contained vital components for military vehicles, notably tapered roller bearings, which are essential in the manufacture of tanks and armored vehicles. Lichen Ullmann, a representative from the Vredesactie movement that helped initiate the complaint, explained that these components were directed to Ashot Ashkelon in Israel, a company known for its exclusive supply of Merkava tanks to the Israeli army. Ullmann characterized the deployment of these tanks in Gaza as part of a broader genocide, underscoring the moral and legal implications associated with these shipments.
Belgium has had a ban on arms exports to Israel since 2009, with individual regions, including Flanders, responsible for overseeing the transit of weapons. However, the recent court proceedings unveiled that the Flemish government had not been effectively regulating the arms transit, as its control was contingent upon transport companies making specific requests. The judge’s ruling in July pointed to a clear violation of obligations by the Flemish regional government to monitor and manage military shipments adequately.
In delivering the judgment, the court referenced the Geneva Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty, which impose strict restrictions on the export of military goods that may be used to commit atrocities or war crimes. Ullmann noted that the court’s ruling was anchored in solid legal precedents, not just addressing the problematic shipment but extending to any military equipment that could potentially contribute to genocide. The Flemish government, which retains the option to appeal this decision, has yet to make a public statement regarding the ruling or the potential repercussions of continued arms transit.
As this legal development unfolds, it coincides with a growing concern among Israel’s allies about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Observers indicate that the region is teetering toward famine, with documented cases of individuals succumbing to malnutrition. The current conflict traces back to an attack by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant civilian casualties and a rapid escalation of violence. In response, Israel launched an extensive military campaign that has led to substantial loss of life among Palestinians, raising humanitarian and ethical questions surrounding the conflict.
Figures portrayed by the Hamas-affiliated Gaza Health Ministry estimate that around 61,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the ongoing offensive, the majority being women and children. However, these numbers have sparked debates about the accuracy and differentiation between combatants and non-combatants. As the situation evolves, calls for accountability and scrutiny over military requisites and humanitarian efforts persist, particularly in light of the new legal precedent established by the Belgian court ruling regarding military supply chains and the implications for international law.
