More Than 200 Organizations Call for Halt to F-35 Arms Transfers to Israel

Over 200 organizations worldwide have launched a campaign to halt the transfer of F-35 fighter jets to Israel. These organizations believe that the planes have been used to violate international law, and demand immediate action from producing nations.

Global Call to Action: 232 Organizations Sign Petition

A letter signed by 232 civil society organizations was sent to ministers in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the US, and the UK. The organizations hail from several countries, including the United Kingdom, the US, Belgium, Jordan, Lebanon, Switzerland, Ireland, and India. Prominent NGOs such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Oxfam are among the signatories.

Campaign Against Arms Trade’s Message

The letter, coordinated by the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), emphasizes the serious violations of international law attributed to Israel. According to the organizations, partners in the F-35 program have failed to prevent these violations. They claim that states are either unwilling to adhere to their legal obligations or assert that the F-35 program’s structure precludes applying controls to end-users, rendering it incompatible with international law.

F-35 Production and Arms Controls

The F-35 fighter jets are manufactured by a global consortium led by Lockheed Martin in the US, with significant contributions from other nations. The UK contributes 15% of the parts. The UK is currently facing legal challenges over its arms export licenses to Israel, including components of the F-35, with accusations of complicity in war crimes. Similar legal actions are underway in other countries participating in the F-35 program.

UK’s Suspended Arms Licenses

In September, the UK suspended 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel due to a risk of serious violations of international humanitarian law. However, it exempted F-35 components, stating that suspending them would affect the entire global F-35 program and justifying the decision based on “international peace and security.”

The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

More than 48,000 people have been killed in Gaza, with some estimates suggesting the death toll is 40% higher than official figures. The United Nations Satellite Centre reports that 69% of Gaza’s infrastructure has been damaged by Israel’s bombardment, and most of the population has been displaced.

Current Temporary Ceasefire in Gaza

The “fragility” of the current temporary ceasefire underscores the ongoing risks of further violations in Gaza and the West Bank. The letter criticizes states for failing to fulfill their legal obligations or claiming that the F-35 program structure prevents applying arms controls, rendering the program incompatible with international law.

Signatories to the Arms Trade Treaty

All countries involved in the F-35 program, except the US, which is a signatory but has not ratified it, are signatories to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The ATT is aimed at preventing the transfer of military equipment where there is a risk of violations of international humanitarian law.

UK’s Reasoning for Continuing F-35 Exports

The UK has suspended export licenses to Israel based on the maltreatment of Palestinian detainees and Israel’s controls on the supply of humanitarian aid. They have not yet addressed allegations of disproportionate force, indicating a potential gap in their arms legislation.

Statement from Katie Fallon of CAAT

Katie Fallon, advocacy manager at CAAT, stated, “The F-35 jet program is emblematic of the West’s complicity in Israel’s crimes against Palestinians. These jets were instrumental in Israel’s 466-day bombardment of Gaza, involving war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.”

She added, “Since the limited ceasefire, the US government, a lead partner in the F-35 program, has threatened Gaza with mass ethnic cleansing and forced displacement. This program gives material and political consent for these crimes to continue.”

UK Government’s Response

A UK government spokesperson commented, “In September, we suspended export licenses to Israel for items used in Gazan military operations. F-35 components were excluded as it is not possible to suspend their licensing without jeopardizing the entire global F-35 program, including its role in NATO and support to Ukraine.”

Conclusion

The ongoing conflict and criticism highlight the complex ethical and legal issues surrounding the F-35 program. The international call to halt arms transfers underscores the need for stricter controls and adherence to international law in arms exports.

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