The Netherlands has secured a significant $175 million defense contract with Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems, despite growing domestic opposition and an ongoing court-imposed ban on the export of F-35 parts to Israel. The deal, which involves Elbit supplying self-protection systems for aircraft, highlights the complex dynamics surrounding international defense procurement and political tensions.
The contract comes after a Dutch court ruled in February 2023 to restrict the supply of spare parts for Israel’s F-35 fighter jets, citing concerns that these parts could be used in violations of international law during Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The Dutch ruling, which barred parts produced in the Netherlands and other international locations from being sent to Israel, has created a significant point of contention in Dutch-Israeli defense relations.
Despite these restrictions, the Dutch government has proceeded with its purchase of defense systems from Elbit Systems. Elbit will provide electronic warfare and self-protection suites designed to defend Dutch aircraft and helicopters from anti-aircraft missiles. These systems, including passive radar, infrared missile warning systems, and flare and chaff dispersal systems, are critical for modernizing the Dutch military’s fleet, including the newly acquired C-390 Millennium transport aircraft and H225M Caracal helicopters, both of which are part of broader defense upgrades.
The deal has sparked fierce criticism from members of the Dutch parliament, with many questioning the logic of buying defense equipment from an Israeli company whose weapons are reportedly used in the Gaza conflict. In response, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans defended the procurement, emphasizing the urgency of strengthening the Netherlands’ military capabilities in light of increasing threats and the aging of existing equipment. He argued that the purchase was vital for ensuring the Dutch military’s operational effectiveness and European security.
Brekelmans also responded to questions about Elbit’s involvement in supplying arms used by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza, acknowledging that while the Dutch government is aware of Elbit’s arms sales to Israel, it does not track how those weapons are used. “We already use Israeli equipment,” Brekelmans remarked, citing the importance of such systems for the Dutch military’s strike capabilities and soldier safety.
The ongoing tension was further complicated by a separate legal issue. In December, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Reinette Klever, confirmed that the F-35 parts export restriction could remain in place until the Dutch Supreme Court ruled on the matter. While she acknowledged the Dutch government’s limited ability to enforce the court’s decision—given that the parts belong to the global F-35 parts inventory managed by the U.S.—she rejected attempts to link the actions of Israel’s government to Elbit’s arms sales.
Klever emphasized that the Netherlands needed to urgently upgrade its military to maintain deterrence in a volatile geopolitical landscape, and for certain capabilities, “the best equipment comes from Israel.” She also reaffirmed the government’s stance that entities accused of violating international law should be held accountable, but made clear there was no direct link between the defense procurement from Elbit and alleged violations of international law by Israel.
