According to intelligence analyses, as early as 2021, Hamas intensified its outreach to Iran, seeking financial and strategic support for a large-scale offensive aimed at delivering what it described as a decisive blow to Israel. In the two years preceding the war, discussions among members of the so-called “radical axis” revolved around orchestrating a coordinated multi-front assault. While this plan ultimately did not materialize in full, Hamas’ attack on October 7 caught Israeli intelligence off guard, highlighting a severe lapse in threat assessment.

Excerpt from Hamas document titled “The Movement’s Strategy 2013-2017,” undated. (The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center)

Last week, a comprehensive analysis of these captured documents was published by the Intelligence Heritage and Commemoration Center, a research institute working closely with Israel’s intelligence community. The report was authored by Dr. Uri Rost, a researcher and lecturer at Sapir College.

Rost’s findings suggest that since its founding in 1987, Hamas has consistently viewed Israel’s existence as illegitimate. However, until recent years, the group saw Israel’s destruction as a long-term objective rather than an immediate goal. Following the 2021 Guardian of the Walls operation, Hamas leadership began to believe that Israel’s downfall was within reach, marking a significant shift in strategy. This shift was evident in both public statements by Hamas officials and private communications documented in the seized files.

Image credit: www.internationalaffairs.org.au

One of the most striking revelations in the documents is Hamas’ coordination with Iran and Hezbollah. The group’s leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, reportedly considered Israel’s destruction a viable short-term goal, reinforced by the belief that Israel was strategically weak. This perspective was echoed in secret exchanges between Hamas and its allies, including Iranian and Hezbollah officials, who debated the feasibility of a full-scale regional war.

Iran and Hezbollah’s Role in the Planning

The documents confirm that Hamas’ leadership held extensive discussions with Iranian and Hezbollah officials regarding a coordinated attack on Israel. In June 2021, senior Hamas officials sent a letter to Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Quds Force, requesting $500 million in funding over two years to prepare for what they termed a “liberation war” against Israel. The letter, which was also addressed to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, stated that Israel was weaker than perceived and could be eradicated with sufficient external support.

By July 2022, Hamas’ external leadership in Qatar intensified coordination efforts. Sinwar reportedly sent an urgent letter to Hamas’ political chief Ismail Haniyeh, urging him to travel to Iran to advance plans for a military buildup in southern Lebanon. Later, in a secret meeting with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Hamas leaders presented three potential attack scenarios. The preferred strategy was a joint assault by Hamas and Hezbollah, ideally launched during Jewish holidays when tensions in Jerusalem were typically high.

The documents align with public statements made by Hamas and its allies in the years leading up to the October 7 onslaught. In a September 2021 conference in Gaza titled “Promise of the Hereafter – Post-Liberation Palestine,” Palestinian factions openly discussed their plan for ruling all of Israel’s territory “from the river to the sea.” Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah echoed similar sentiments in May 2023, claiming that Israel’s home front was “weak, fragile, anxious, always ready to pack up and leave.”

In mid-2023, a Hamas delegation, led by Haniyeh and senior commander Saleh al-Arouri, visited Iran to discuss military coordination. Iranian officials reportedly expressed their view that the “removal of Israel from the map” was now a tangible possibility. Leading up to October 7, Hamas continued to refine its strategy. In April 2023, Sinwar told Hamas political bureau member Muhammad Nasser that the previous conflicts with Israel had been “a walk in the park” compared to the planned attack, which would “shatter the enemy into fragments.”

Rost’s analysis concludes that the October 7 assault was not merely an isolated terror operation but the culmination of years of planning based on a fundamental shift in Hamas’ strategic thinking. The group, along with its Iranian and Hezbollah backers, increasingly viewed Israel’s destruction as a realistic goal rather than distant rhetoric. However, the heavy losses Hamas has suffered in the ensuing Israeli counteroffensive may have forced it to reassess this ambition – for now.

As of early 2025, the IDF has continued its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. However, reports suggest that Hamas is rebuilding, with over 25,000 Hamas fighters and 5,000 from Palestinian Islamic Jihad still armed. The ceasefire that had temporarily halted hostilities ended, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a forceful response to Hamas’s refusal to release Israeli hostages.

Main article image: Gaza, October 7. Hani Alshaer/Anadolu Agency via Reuters Conne

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Reuters confirmed the destruction through detailed satellite imagery analysis by researcher Decker Eleveth, who identified key damage to Iranian facilities essential for mixing and producing ballistic missile fuel. The attack has not only disrupted missile production but has also substantially degraded Iran’s long-term missile capabilities, with U.S. officials telling the Wall Street Journal that it could take years for Iran to recover.

This morning's 3M imagery of Iran's Khojir and Parchin missile production facilities shows precise strikes on warehouses and mixing buildings connected to the manufacture of solid-fueled ballistic missiles.
Industrial mixers of the sort used in the production of solid rocket… pic.twitter.com/az0D3VxvNN

— Isranomics (@isranomics) October 27, 2024

At the core of this strike are the Farchin and Khojir sites – well-known to defence experts for their connection to Iran’s missile and nuclear programs. While Farchin has been undergoing a significant expansion, it appears Israel targeted critical areas designed to be heavily fortified. Despite protective earth embankments, at least five facilities—two in Khojir and three in Farchin – were reduced to rubble.

Eleveth elaborated on the severity of the strike, explaining that the destroyed industrial mixers used to produce ballistic missile fuel are extremely costly and challenging to replace due to international sanctions. “Israel significantly damaged Iran’s ability to produce missiles on a large scale,” he noted, highlighting the magnitude of the impact on Iran’s defens]ce and missile development operations.

The Saudi Ilaf website, a well-regarded source with strong ties to Israeli intelligence, reported that Israel’s strike not only destroyed expensive mixers – each valued at over $2 million—but also disabled air defence systems protecting Iran’s crucial oil, gas, and petrochemical infrastructure. Iranian officials speaking to The New York Times expressed growing concerns about future attacks, as these facilities now stand exposed.

Image credit: Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images (JACK GUEZ/Photographer: JACK GUEZ/AFP)

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The attack focused on strategic facilities across Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam, with Israel specifically targeting surface-to-surface missile production sites. Israeli sources described the intelligence used as exceptionally precise, allowing their air force to hit high-value targets with accuracy down to a “16-digit” grid reference. The Israeli intelligence community reportedly saw the operation as a preventative move, designed to limit Iran’s capacity to manufacture ballistic missiles in the foreseeable future.

Iran’s immediate response has been relatively subdued. Despite admitting that two soldiers were killed, the Iranian government initially claimed the attack caused only “minimal damage,” stating that the country’s air defense systems had intercepted most of the strikes. The Iranian news network, Noor News, which has ties to the Revolutionary Guard, reported that Iran’s official stance is to respond “without haste.” However, Sky News Arabia indicated that through a third party, Iran communicated to Israel that it would refrain from immediate retaliation.

Iranian state media also downplayed the event, showcasing images of normal activity in cities across the country, including Mahrabad International Airport in Tehran. Meanwhile, some Iranian networks aired videos mocking Israel’s strike, comparing it unfavorably to previous Iranian actions against Israel. Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Araf issued a brief social media statement, asserting that Iran’s “strength humiliates the enemies of the homeland.”

In response, Israeli officials dismissed Tehran’s portrayal of the strike, alleging that Iran’s claims of successful interceptions are “a complete failure” and insisted that the damage was substantial. Israeli sources emphasized that their intelligence-led targeting had severely impacted Iran’s surface-to-surface missile production capabilities, likening the damage to the shutdown of a major missile production line.

The U.S. has also stepped into the fray, warning Iran of “consequences” should it choose to retaliate. Washington has reiterated its commitment to supporting Israel and has reportedly prepared a list of Iranian targets that could be hit if Tehran pursues further escalation.

Adding to Iran’s challenges, Israeli forces reportedly neutralized air defense systems in Syria and Iraq before the strike, clearing a path for Israeli jets to operate in Iranian airspace with minimal resistance. This move has underscored Israel’s message: it now holds the capacity to strike again should Iran decide to retaliate.

Main article photo: F-35 arrives in Israel after being purchased from Lockheed Martin (photo credit: LOCKHEED MARTIN)

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In response to this growing threat, the United States announced the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile battery to Israel. This advanced system is designed to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes, bolstering Israel’s existing three-tier air defence network, which includes the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the Arrow systems. The move comes as Israeli officials reportedly prepare for a possible retaliatory strike on Iran, heightening the risk of broader regional escalation.

“The issue of Israel’s ammunition is serious,” said Dana Stroul, a former senior U.S. defense official, highlighting the strain on Israel’s missile supplies. She warned that if Hezbollah joins an Iranian retaliatory strike, Israel’s air defences could be overwhelmed. Stroul also pointed out that U.S. stockpiles are limited, as the country faces the challenge of supporting both Israel and Ukraine in their respective conflicts, signalling a potential turning point for American military aid.

Boaz Levy, CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, the company responsible for manufacturing missile interceptors, confirmed the urgency of the situation. “Some of our production lines are working 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Levy said, emphasizing the time-intensive nature of producing interceptor missiles. “It’s no secret that we need to replenish our stockpile.”

Israel’s layered air defense system has been largely successful in repelling attacks from Iranian-backed groups. The Iron Dome has intercepted short-range rockets from Hamas, while David’s Sling and the Arrow system have defended against larger missile threats from Hezbollah and Iran. However, a recent wave of over 180 ballistic missiles from Iran on October 1 proved more difficult to repel, illustrating the limits of Israel’s current capabilities.

With Hezbollah maintaining the capacity to launch thousands of rockets into Israel, military officials are concerned that the conflict could escalate. “We still haven’t seen Hezbollah’s full capability,” said Assaf Orion, a former Israeli brigade commander, noting that the group has so far launched only a tenth of its overall estimated arsenal.

As tensions continue to rise, Israel and its allies are racing against time to ensure that the country’s air defence systems remain fully operational in the face of growing threats from multiple fronts.

Image credit: Iron Dome launcher fires an interceptor missile in Sderot, Israel. REUTERS/Ammar Awad

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The THAAD deployment is a key component of U.S. military efforts to support Israel in its ongoing standoff with Iran. Designed to counter ballistic missile threats, the system will strengthen Israel’s air defence network, which already includes the Patriot missile system. Around 100 U.S. troops will be sent to operate the advanced THAAD battery, consisting of six truck-mounted launchers and 48 interceptors.

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder emphasized that the decision reflects the “ironclad commitment” of the U.S. to Israel’s defence. He cited Iran’s recent missile attacks, including strikes in April and October, as key factors prompting the deployment. Ryder said, “This action underscores the United States’ commitment to defend Israel and protect Americans in Israel from further ballistic missile attacks.”

President Joe Biden, after approving the deployment, underscored the need to protect Israel, by stating, “I agreed to send the THAAD battery to defend Israel.” His comments followed a visit to Florida, where he assessed hurricane damage, before addressing reporters about the Middle East crisis.

Iran responded promptly, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivering a warning on the social network X, advising the U.S. to avoid endangering its troops. Araghchi emphasised Iran’s will to protect its citizens and interests at all costs.

Tensions between Iran and Israel have been intensifying, with the October 1 missile barrage – the second direct attack on Israel from Iran this year – contributing to heightened conflict across the region. The war between Israel and Hamas has widened to include Lebanon, with Iran-backed Hezbollah and other militant groups also becoming involved.

This is not the first time the U.S. has deployed THAAD to Israel. A similar deployment took place last year following the Hamas attack on Israel in October, and the U.S. previously sent a THAAD battery to Israel in 2019 for military exercises.

The THAAD system is famous for its wide-area defence capabilities as complements Israel’s Patriot missile systems, which provide more localized protection. The deployment of THAAD signals a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to safeguard its allies in the region as the Israel-Iran conflict shows no signs of abating.

Image credit: US Army Terminal High Altitude Area Defence launching station in Israel on March 4, 2019. Staff Sgt. Cory D. Payne/US Air Force/File

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“We tell the Zionist regime not to test Iran’s resolve, as any attack on Iran will be met with an even stronger response than before,” Araghchi stated. The event marked the anniversary of the October 7 massacre by Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist group backed by Iran, which referenced the earlier attack in its name, “Al-Aqsa Flood.” The conference also paid homage to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, killed in an Israeli airstrike last month.

Notably, Israel has not directly attacked Iran, despite Iranian claims of Israeli aggression. It was Iranian missile salvo that targeted Israel, forcing its population into bomb shelters. Only one fatality occurred, a Palestinian man killed by falling debris in the West Bank. Nevertheless, Iran’s aggressive tone highlights its imperialist ambitions, using proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah to extend influence across the region while casting itself as the victim of external aggression.

Israel has vowed to retaliate for the missile attack, with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stating, “Whoever attacks us will be hurt and will pay a price. Our attack will be deadly, precise, and above all surprising.” Israeli leaders are reportedly considering targeting Iran’s oil or nuclear facilities in their response.

However, the looming question of oil supply is playing a key role in the geopolitical calculus. Iran’s threats have focused not only on Israel but also on the Gulf Arab states, warning them not to allow Israel to use their airspace or military bases. Yet, Tehran’s warnings also ring hollow in some quarters, as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), largely controlled by Saudi Arabia, has sufficient spare capacity to cover any disruption in Iranian oil output caused by Israeli strikes.

While Iran has not directly threatened Gulf oil facilities, its historical posturing against “Israel supporters” suggests that broader regional escalation remains a possibility. Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, which has had a fragile political rapprochement with Tehran, remain wary of Iranian strikes on their oil infrastructure. The 2019 attack on Saudi Aramco’s Abqaiq refinery—an incident that briefly knocked out more than 5% of global oil production—still looms large.

The U.S. and Israel’s shared concern centres not only on Iran’s provocations but also on the potential ripple effects in global oil markets. While OPEC can mitigate the impact of any disruption in Iranian oil production, the U.S. remains cautious about a spike in oil prices, which could impact global economies. This concern has led to calls from the Biden administration for Israel to show restraint, despite recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself.

Analysts argue that American caution is rooted more in economic fears than military risk, as any significant rise in oil prices could strain U.S. domestic markets. Israel’s “rightful response” to Iran, as many Israeli officials call it, may be curbed by these broader economic considerations. Meanwhile, Iran continues to flex its influence in the region, using both its military assets and oil leverage, all while positioning itself as a regional power unafraid of international confrontation.

Image credit: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (Majid Asgaripour via REUTERS)

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From Israel’s perspective, the European response has been deeply frustrating. Political leaders, in particular, seem to be suffering from collective amnesia, conveniently forgetting that it was Hezbollah—an internationally recognized terrorist organization—that initiated these attacks. Rather than pressuring Hezbollah to cease its unprovoked aggression, European leaders have failed to act decisively. At best, diplomats and officials call for ceasefires, urging “both sides” to de-escalate, ignoring the clear instigator. At worst, they draw false parallels between Gaza and Hezbollah’s attacks from Lebanon, framing Israel as the aggressor violating international law. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, even suggested that Israel’s actions in Lebanon could constitute war crimes, further skewing the narrative.

The UN Human Rights Council has grown to be an embodiment of hypocrisy. It was chaired only last year by Iran, a country with imperialistic ambitions and a serial human rights violator. Now, they have sunk to a new low as UN rights chief accused Israel of war crimes for targeting… pic.twitter.com/zsg8pHdYaS

— Isranomics (@isranomics) September 21, 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron has been particularly vocal in his criticism of Israel. In a recent speech, he expressed sorrow for civilian casualties in Lebanon but failed to mention Hezbollah, the organization responsible for launching rockets at Israel. According to reports, Macron even clashed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call on the issue. Macron’s refusal to acknowledge Hezbollah’s role in the violence paints a one-sided narrative, one that resonates with the European public, where the conflict is often seen as Israel’s doing.

In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who initially pledged strong support for Israel, has been notably silent on the ongoing battles in Lebanon. This silence comes despite rising pressure from pro-Palestinian activists, who disrupted the recent Labour conference to demand a halt to all defence exports to Israel. While Starmer’s government froze several defense licenses, the growing anti-Israel sentiment in Britain reflects a broader shift in European public opinion.

Germany, another key European player, has also remained relatively quiet. Foreign Minister Analena Baerbock and Chancellor Olaf Scholz have avoided addressing the recent conflict in Lebanon, though Baerbock has faced criticism for hosting anti-Israel activists who accuse Israel of ethnic cleansing and war crimes. This episode further underscores the shifting tone in Europe, where Israel is increasingly viewed through a critical lens, even as it defends itself against clear acts of aggression.

A look at European media coverage reveals an alarming trend. The responsibility for Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel is downplayed or ignored altogether, with the narrative framing Israel as the aggressor. Headlines focus on Lebanese casualties -“Women and children among more than 325 dead and 1,200 injured in Israeli bombings in Lebanon” – with Israel’s defensive strikes often described as mere “allegations” or “reports”, reinforcing the perception that Israel is acting recklessly.

This distorted narrative reflects a broader erosion of political and public support for Israel in Europe. Over the past 11 months, as the war in Gaza dragged on, many European countries imposed arms embargoes on Israel, citing concerns over potential war crimes. Now, as Israel fights a defensive war against Hezbollah, it does so with dwindling legitimacy in the eyes of its European allies. European governments and courts have increasingly aligned with international bodies, like the International Criminal Court, that are scrutinizing Israel’s actions under the lens of international law.

Moreover, Israel has been paying the price for neglecting its public diplomacy efforts in Europe. Demonstrations against Israel have become a weekly occurrence in European capitals, while Israel’s attempts to present its case to European public opinion have been insufficient. This vacuum has allowed anti-Israel voices to dominate the conversation, further eroding support for the Jewish state’s defensive actions.

In sum, Israel is now faced with a difficult situation: it must defend its citizens from Hezbollah’s attacks while simultaneously grappling with a European public that increasingly sees it as responsible for the violence. The international community’s failure to recognize Hezbollah’s aggression and Israel’s right to self-defence not only weakens Israel’s standing but also undermines the broader principles of sovereignty and international law. The question remains whether Europe will acknowledge these realities before the situation deteriorates further.

Image credit: Nabatiyeh district, Lebanon (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

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Ironically, this situation unfolded due to direct orders from Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who instructed his operatives to stop using mobile phones to evade Israeli surveillance after their prominent commander, Fuad Shukr, was killed. In an effort to avoid detection, Nasrallah gave an order to use a specific pager model, the Gold Apollo, believing it to be a safer alternative. However, these very devices – which meant to protect Hezbollah members from tracking – exploded yesterday, causing a significant number of casualties within their ranks.

The New York Times provided further context, reporting that “subpoenas exploded across Lebanon after Israel warned Hezbollah.” Images of the wounded accompanied the article, showcasing the tragic aftermath. Similarly, The Washington Post highlighted the large number of injured, noting that Hezbollah operatives had been targeted, and that the explosions left a significant toll, with CNN estimating at least eight dead and 2,800 wounded. CNN added that this attack followed Israel’s announcement of updated war goals, which included securing the return of Israeli residents to the northern part of the country.

France’s Le Monde also chimed in, reporting that explosions occurred in neighbouring Damascus, resulting in several fatalities. Their coverage noted calls from Lebanese health officials for blood donations to meet the urgent needs of the injured. Spiegel in Germany speculated that Hezbollah’s communication system had been hacked, leading to the devastating explosions, while Bild, known for its pro-Israel stance, reported widespread panic among Hezbollah’s ranks.

A source cited by Reuters indicated that the explosive devices may have been part of a recent shipment to Hezbollah, with outdated technology that may have failed to evade modern surveillance. A senior Hezbollah figure suggested that malware could have been planted in the pagers, which may have triggered their detonation. An Italian electronics expert, speaking to Corriere Della Sera, proposed that micro-charges hidden in the pagers, not their batteries, were likely responsible.

The British Daily Mail and Danish Politiken both noted the surreal nature of the operation, with Politiken describing it as “something out of science fiction.” This operation, initially seen as a safeguard for Hezbollah’s members, turned into a devastating covert attack that left the militia scrambling to understand how their strategy had backfired so dramatically.

Interestingly, much of the international news coverage appears to convey a sense of sympathy for Hezbollah, portraying the terrorists as if they were victims of this covert attack. Reports have subtly framed Hezbollah as an innocent party, outmanoeuvred by sophisticated tactics. These narratives seem to overlook a crucial aspect: Hezbollah is not just any party but a well-known terror organisation that has actively supported Hamas by bombing northern Israel for almost a year. That assault forced over 60,000 Israelis to become refugees in their own country, fleeing their homes under the constant threat of rocket fire. This broader context has been largely neglected in the rush to emphasise the immediate damage to Hezbollah, an organisation that has long been a perpetrator of violence in the region.

Image credit: al-monitor.com

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However, as moral clarity fades and leading nations shift focus, much of the world appears reluctant to confront Iran and its proxies. Instead of standing firmly against the forces of terror, many countries have opted to criticize Israel, leaving it with no choice but to defend itself—often alone—in this critical fight for survival.

Since then, the dynamics of global opinion and geopolitical reactions have revealed sharp divides. Much of the international community’s focus has turned toward Israel’s military actions in response to Hamas, with pressure mounting on Israel to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Countries like the United Kingdom and Canada have suspended arms sales to Israel, citing concerns over possible violations of international humanitarian law. The timing of these moves, occurring shortly after the execution of Israeli hostages by Hamas, highlights the complexity and emotional charge of the global response. Israeli actions are scrutinized intensely, often without equal acknowledgment of the tactics employed by Hamas, such as the use of human shields and terror tunnels.

Hezbollah, a significant player in this conflict, has launched a sustained campaign from Lebanon, firing thousands of rockets into Israel. The group’s violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which called for its withdrawal north of the Litani River in 2006, has largely gone unchecked by the international community. Despite the group’s aggression, global reactions have largely been limited to calls for “de-escalation,” a stark contrast to the harsher tone directed at Israel.

The conflict has spread beyond Israel’s immediate neighbors, with groups like Yemen’s Houthi rebels firing missiles at Israel, a development that underscores the regional and global stakes of the conflict. Iran’s support of these groups, alongside its proxies in Hezbollah and Hamas, reveals a broader strategy aimed at destabilizing the region and undermining Israel’s security.

This period has been defined by a disturbing trend: while Israel grapples with threats from terror groups bent on its destruction, much of the international discourse has focused disproportionately on its defensive measures. The global community’s reluctance to fully confront the roles of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran suggests a deep-seated difficulty in acknowledging and addressing the threat posed by these groups. Instead, the easier path, for some, has been to criticize Israel, ignoring the brutal realities of the conflict.

Given this shifting geopolitical landscape, Israel may find itself increasingly isolated, with fewer allies willing to offer direct support in its existential fight. The suspension of arms sales and the lack of strong condemnation of terrorist organizations leaves Israel with limited options. In this context, Israel might have no choice but to act alone to ensure its survival. Surrounded by adversaries determined to destroy the Jewish state, Israel’s leadership may be forced to make difficult decisions in the absence of robust international backing.

The notion that Israel will have to stand on its own in this existential battle is becoming more likely, as the pressure to self-defend grows. With threats from every direction and wavering global support, Israel may find that it must take unilateral actions to safeguard its future and protect its people, even if it means going it alone.

Israeli artillery unit firing shells towards Lebanon (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

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These legal efforts are part of a broader campaign led by pro-Palestinian and human rights organizations across Europe, which has intensified since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza. Key players in this movement include prominent groups like Al-Haq, Amnesty International, Oxfam, and Human Rights Watch, all of whom are collaborating with local pro-Palestinian organizations in various countries.

One significant success for this alliance occurred in the Netherlands, where a court ruled in February to block the supply of spare parts for F-35 aircraft to Israel, citing concerns that this could implicate the Netherlands in potential war crimes in Gaza. Similarly, in France, a legal coalition managed to prevent individuals associated with Israeli defence industries from participating in the Eurosatory arms exhibition through a court ruling in June.

While several European countries, including Italy, Spain, and Belgium, have voluntarily suspended defence exports to Israel amid the ongoing conflict, Denmark has maintained a relatively pro-Israeli stance. This position is partly due to Denmark’s recent purchase of advanced weapons systems from Israel and its close ties with the United States. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen have both publicly stated that Israel has the right to defend itself. Frederiksen has also spoken out in defence of the Jewish community in Denmark following pro-Palestinian demonstrations that escalated into anti-Semitic incidents.

In late May, the Danish Parliament overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to halt the transfer of weapons and security equipment to Israel, with 84 members opposing the measure and only 11 supporting it. The debate in Denmark primarily revolves around the export of parts for F-35 aircraft that are produced or stored in the country and have been supplied to the Israeli Air Force in recent months.

Despite the rejection of a previous petition, a new legal challenge has been filed in a civil court in Copenhagen. The petition argues that continuing to export F-35 parts to Israel could implicate Denmark in potential war crimes, in violation of its international obligations. Foreign Minister Rasmussen has responded forcefully, asserting that Danish courts have no authority to determine the legitimacy of government actions related to arms exports. He also emphasized that Denmark is not responsible for exporting weapons that may violate international law.

Amnesty International, however, contends that Danish courts do have a role in ensuring that government policies comply with international law. The Danish government’s legal stance is that such organizations lack the standing to sue it in court, and the Foreign Ministry has called for the recent lawsuit to be dismissed outright.

In the UK, the Global Legal Action Network, alongside the aforementioned human rights organizations, has filed a petition with the Supreme Court, seeking an immediate halt to all military exports to Israel. The petition is largely focused on the export of spare parts for F-35 aircraft, citing allegations of war crimes and violations of international law in Gaza. The petitioners plan to present testimony from Western doctors who have worked in Gaza, as well as from local families impacted by Israeli airstrikes, during the court hearing scheduled between October 8 and 10.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who has visited Israel multiple times since taking office in July, has launched a “new legal investigation” to assess whether Israel is committing or is suspected of committing war crimes in Gaza. Lammy has indicated that a positive finding from this investigation would likely lead to the UK government imposing an arms embargo on Israel.

Recent reports in the British media have suggested that the UK’s Department for International Trade has already begun freezing arms export requests to Israel, citing the ongoing review of the situation. However, the British government has publicly stated that there has been no change in its export policy towards Israel.

Main article photo: F-35 arrives in Israel after being purchased from Lockheed Martin (photo credit: LOCKHEED MARTIN)

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