Israelbound military goods transportation barred by Antwerp court - Israel-bound military equipment transportation prohibited by Antwerp court
The transportation of military goods from Antwerp, one of Europe's largest container ports, to Israel has been restricted following a landmark ruling by a Belgian court. The decision, made on July 17-18, 2025, orders the Flemish government to block the transit of military goods bound for Israel, including shipments through the port of Antwerp.
The court's ruling, which imposes fines of up to €50,000 per shipment for violations, criticised the Flemish government for inadequate control and transparency in enforcing international arms control laws within its jurisdiction. The decision reflects legal accountability for facilitating shipments to a state alleged to commit war crimes and possible genocide.
Since 2009, Belgium had a policy against exporting arms to Israel's armed forces. However, enforcement had been weak until this court decision, which now serves as a legal precedent emphasising that governments bear heavy legal responsibility to prevent militarized shipments under international humanitarian law.
Large global shippers like Maersk have publicly stated strict policies of not shipping weapons or ammunition to active conflict zones. Their procedures include needing government-approved Transportation Plans for sensitive cargo, which have not been submitted for Israel shipments, indicating compliance with relevant international regulations on military cargo.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Vredeactie, INTAL, 11.11.11, and the League for Human Rights have been instrumental in enforcing these regulations by initiating legal actions and advocating for ethical governance and compliance with international legal standards. Civil society organisations and activists play a key role in holding governments legally accountable, exposing potential violations of international law, and promoting transparency on military exports.
The prohibition applies to any military goods intended for use in civilian purposes in Israel. The Israeli defense company, which uses the tapered roller bearings in question to manufacture tanks and armored vehicles, has been using these military goods in the Gaza Strip. Several ships travel between Antwerp and Israel each month, and the court's decision does not allow for military goods to be transported through the Belgian region of Flanders to Israel unless there is assurance they will only be used for civilian purposes.
Belga reported the reminder to the Flemish government regarding its responsibility to enforce international arms control laws within its jurisdiction. The court's decision marks a significant step towards ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law principles and preventing Belgium's complicity in conflicts marked by serious humanitarian concerns.
The court's ruling under the community policy section has outlined strict penalties for violations of international arms control laws, especially shipments bound for conflict zones like Israel, highlighting politics and general news of war-and-conflicts. The decision underscores the employment policy inherent in governments' legal responsibility to prevent militarized shipments and comply with international humanitarian law.
