Dutch Court Denies Request to Block Transfer of F-35 Fighter Jet Parts to Israel from The Netherlands

A Dutch court on Friday rejected a request by a group of human rights and humanitarian organizations to order a halt to the transfer to Israel of parts for F-35 fighter jets.

The organizations went to court Dec. 4 arguing that delivery of parts for the aircraft makes the Netherlands complicit in possible war crimes being committed by Israel in its war with Hamas. The parts are stored in a warehouse in the Dutch town of Woensdrecht.

In a written statement, the Hague District Court said the judge who heard the civil case concluded that the government of the Netherlands “weighed the relevant interests” before agreeing to the delivery of parts.

Lawyer Liesbeth Zegveld told the court that the Dutch government decided to continue transferring F-35 parts to Israel even after the deadly Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas triggered the Israel-Hamas war. 

Middle East Conflict May Prompt Germany to Lift Ban on Sale of 48 Eurofighters to Saudi Arabia

According to 'Financial Times' 'Financial Times' the Israel-Hamas war has reignited a debate in Germany’s coalition government whether to lift its ban on the sale of 48 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

Germany has vetoed the export of the jets since 2018 for the role of Saudi Arabia in the war in Yemen and the murder of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi. 

Typhoons are built by an UK, German, Italian and Spanish consortium and each country can veto exports of the planes to other nations. The UK, whith historic defence ties to Riyadh and has sold 72 jets to the kingdom, has been trying to secure a follow-on order for several years.

The dramatic change in the security situation in the Middle East, pressure from European allies and a change in perception about the role played by Saudi Arabia in ensuring regional stability, has begun to tilt the balance of thinking in Berlin, according to people familiar with the discussions at four different ministries in the German capital, however no final decision has been taken. 

At the behest of the German Green party, the ban on weapons sales to Saudi Arabia is a part of the coalition agreement that underpins the government of chancellor Olaf Scholz. The Greens remain staunchly opposed to lifting the ban.

A decision would have to be agreed by the German federal security council — a body on which the Greens hold two of seven seats. Its decision making rules are a state secret.  

The debate is not new. More hawkish figures in Scholz’s cabinet have long pushed for the veto to be dropped. Until now the political calculus behind such a revision has been unfavourable. As recently as July, Scholz ruled out any possibility of Typhoon sales to Riyadh. 

But Germany’s defence minister, Boris Pistorius, as well as Scholz are increasingly supportive of a change in policy over military sales to Saudi Arabia. So are ministers from the liberal Free Democrats, the third coalition party. They all want to seize the opportunity presented by the Middle East conflict to reopen the discussion on the ban.

Berlin’s change of tack could prove diplomatically awkward: Turkey, a Nato ally, has also asked to buy 40 Typhoons, and Germany has refused. Making the case that Riyadh is a more sound regional partner than Ankara and deserving of a big arms deal risks aggravating tense relations with Turkey.

In a sign of the mounting external pressure on Berlin, Britain this month resubmitted an earlier offer to sell 48 new Typhoon aircraft to Saudi, three people familiar with the situation confirmed. 

The offer includes support and training by the UK and BAE Systems over the lifespan of the jets. A promise to eventually manufacture the aircraft in the kingdom is also included, the people said. 

For Britain, resolving the impasse over the potential sale of jets has become an urgent priority. British sources briefed on the situation said that the UK was taking seriously the idea that Saudi Arabia — which is looking to replace is ageing Tornado fleet — might pursue a rival offer from Dassault to offer its Rafale jets, or even another option. “It’s a competitive bid process,” said one UK official. 

Rishi Sunak, the UK prime minister, raised the issue with Scholz during the summer, extracting a commitment to explore a way forward, according to two people. 

Other members of the Eurofighter consortium, notably Airbus, have in recent weeks raised alarm about the German stance. 

Guillaume Faury, chief executive of the pan-European aerospace and defence group, said this month that Berlin’s stance was not only “damaging for the Eurofighter but also damaging for the reputation of Germany as an export country to its partners”.

A UK government spokesperson said they were working closely with the German government: “Last year, we welcomed Germany’s decision to extend export licences for parts for Saudi Arabia’s existing Eurofighter aircraft for three years. The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to our strategic defence relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

US MQ-9 Drones Conduct Surveillance Missions Over Gaza During Israel-Hamas Conflict

The U.S. has been conducting surveillance missions over Gaza using MQ-9 drones in an effort to gather information about hostages held by Hamas and other militants. These missions began after Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties. Approximately 240 hostages, including some American citizens, were taken by Hamas. The drones are not armed with weapons and are focused solely on surveillance.

The Pentagon, on November 3, acknowledged these flights and stated that they are also providing advice and assistance to support Israeli efforts in hostage recovery. Additionally, other unarmed U.S. military assets, such as RC-135 Rivet Joint signals intelligence aircraft, P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft, and various ISR platforms, have been operating in the Middle East over the past year.

A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft was observed flying off the coast of Israel and Gaza recently, as per publicly available transponder data. Furthermore, assets like the E-2D Hawkeye and E/A-18 Growler aircraft are currently stationed on the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

A senior U.S. defense official stated on October 30 that their presence in the region is aimed at supporting any necessary requests to ensure the safety of U.S. forces, personnel, and interests across the region. In response to Hamas' attack, the British government also announced the deployment of P-8s as part of a larger force meant to provide practical support to Israel and its partners in the region.

"U.S. Approves Shipment of Two Iron Dome Batteries to Israel"

The U.S. Defense Department has announced that two Iron Dome missile defense systems will be provided to Israel by the Pentagon, as Israel continues to combat the militant group Hamas.

"The deadliest day for Israel in 50 years occurred on October 7 when Hamas launched a massive, coordinated attack. As a response to this situation, the U.S. has committed to sending additional Iron Dome support to Israel, aiming to bolster its air defense. The U.S. Army previously procured two Iron Dome systems several years ago, as requested by Congress, to address cruise missile defense gaps while developing long-term countermeasures for air and missile threats. However, the Army does not plan to acquire more Iron Domes or integrate the system into its existing air defense framework, as disclosed by Army officials to Defense News.

The two Iron Dome batteries have seen limited use, with Army personnel conducting training exercises at Fort Bliss, Texas. One of the systems was deployed to Guam at the end of 2021 for a two-week exercise, while the others remained at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.

Although the U.S. Defense Department official did not specify the terms of the battery transfer, it represents a significant show of support for Israel's air defense. The official did not indicate whether the batteries would be returned to the U.S. after potential combat use. Additionally, the U.S. has announced the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery and Patriot air defense battalions to the region, further enhancing Israel's defense capabilities.

The U.S. continues to expand its security assistance to Israel, including the delivery of air defense supplies, munitions, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and precision-guided munitions. This support is part of a broader American effort to provide assistance in response to the ongoing conflict.

As a sign of this commitment, the U.S. has deployed carrier strike groups to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf, with additional troops and a Marine expeditionary unit prepared for immediate deployment if required. Senior U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and President Joe Biden, have visited Israel and pledged continued U.S. support.

In a recent address from the Oval Office, President Biden requested over $100 billion in supplemental security aid from Congress, with $14.3 billion allocated for Israel. Notably, this aid has not been tied to conditions requiring Israel to limit civilian casualties.

However, U.S. officials have publicly called on Israel to adhere to the laws of war during its retaliatory actions. As the conflict continues, reports indicate that more than 5,000 people in Gaza have lost their lives, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which is administered by Hamas.

The Iron Dome missile defense system is among the most effective air defense systems globally, with a successful track record in intercepting more than 2,000 rockets. Each Iron Dome battery comprises three key components: radar, command-and-control systems, and launchers for interceptors. These components play a critical role in enhancing Israel's defense capabilities, with extra radars improving threat detection, and more launchers and command-and-control technology expanding the system's capacity to protect Israeli territory from rocket attacks.

Should the conflict extend beyond the Gaza Strip, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah possesses tens of thousands of rockets, potentially posing a significant threat. Recent reports have indicated that Israel's military targeted two Hezbollah cells that were allegedly preparing to launch rockets across the border."

Related:

Bahrain and other Gulf States Set To Buy Iron Dome System

US to Raise Finance of Israeli "Iron Dome" Defense System

US Army Buys Its First Iron Dome from Israel

USAF F-15E from 494th Squadron arrives in Middle East

The arrival of the F-15E aircraft in the Middle East on October 13 is part of the United States' efforts to reinforce its position in the region amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas. The advanced technology of the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron's F-15E Strike Eagle enables U.S. forces to effectively respond to any crisis or contingency and, if necessary, engage and defeat adversaries, as stated by Air Forces Central.

Upon their arrival, the aircraft were promptly refueled, armed with munitions, and conducted their first combat sorties, as announced by the command on social media. Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, the commander of AFCENT, emphasized the U.S. military's commitment to ensuring safety and security in the Middle East by deploying advanced fighters and collaborating with joint and coalition forces, thereby strengthening partnerships and reinforcing regional security.

The decision to increase American military assets in the area is in response to the outbreak of violence between Israel and Hamas, which has already resulted in more than 4,000 casualties, according to the Associated Press. The U.S. State Department reported that the number of Americans killed since the war's onset has risen to 30, with 13 missing American citizens.

The arrival of the F-15E Strike Eagles follows the earlier deployment of American A-10 "Warthog" attack planes to the region. This concerted effort demonstrates the United States' commitment to addressing the ongoing crisis and safeguarding the region's security.

Related: 

US Deploys A-10s, F-15s, and F-16s and USS Gerald R. Ford to Middle East amid Israel-Gaza Fighting

 

2.000 U.S. Troops on Standby as Israel-Hamas Conflict Escalates

In a bold move by the Pentagon, approximately 2,000 American troops have been placed on high alert, poised to deploy in response to the rapidly intensifying conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant organization, Hamas. This significant development comes as U.S. officials, speaking to the Wall Street Journal, confirm the growing urgency of the situation.

This proactive stance underscores the United States' commitment to stabilizing the volatile region, with a US Marine rapid response force making its way towards the waters adjacent to Israel. The Pentagon's reinforcement of its military presence in the area highlights the nation's determination to prevent any further expansion of the hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

The heightened military posture is indicative of the U.S. government's dedication to maintaining regional stability. The move to deploy troops reflects their readiness to intervene and de-escalate the ongoing conflict. Tensions continue to mount, and the international community watches closely as the United States takes proactive measures to help quell this potentially explosive situation.

 

Eisenhower Strike Group to Team Up with USS Ford in the Eastern Mediterranean amid Israel Gaza war

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier is set to head to the Eastern Mediterranean and will unite with the USS Gerald Ford Carrier Strike Group to offer assistance to Israel. This represents the most recent action by the Pentagon to strengthen the U.S. presence in the area during the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The carrier set sail from NAS Norfolk last Saturday, the 14th, for a planned deployment to the U.S. European Command region of responsibility. The 'Eisenhower' Strike Group is accompanied by Carrier Air Wing 3, the cruiser Philippine Sea, and the destroyers Gravely and Mason.

On Tuesday, the 10th, the USS Gerald Ford arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean. The strike group comprises eight squadrons of attack and support aircraft, along with the destroyers Thomas Hudner, Ramage, Carney, and Roosevelt, as well as the cruiser Normandy.

Additional U.S. Air Force F-15s, F-16s, and A-10 fighter aircraft have also been dispatched to the region. The duration of the operations of both strike groups off Israel and when Ford will begin its return home remain uncertain.

Related:

US Deploys A-10s, F-15s, and F-16s and USS Gerald R. Ford to Middle East amid Israel-Gaza Fighting

Israel strikes Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza and Syria

Israel grounds 11 F-35 JSF jets after U.S. crash

Pentagon Supports Emergency $225M for Israel's Iron Dome

US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel sent a letter to congressional leadership on Tuesday requesting $225 million in additional US funding to accelerate production of Iron Dome missile-defense components to ensure Israel will have adequate stockpiles to protect itself from rockets launched by Hamas militants in Gaza.
Israel requested the extra components in recent days, and the Pentagon supports the request.
defensenews

Hamas Publishes Photo of a Drone It Says It Built

Hamas, said on Monday that it had built and flown three types of unmanned aircraft against Israel, all variants of the Ababil-1, an Iranian-made drone. It said two of the drones were armed for attacks and one was intended for reconnaissance.
Hamas’s military wing published a photograph that it says shows one of its drones. The image gives no direct indication of how big the aircraft is, what its capabilities are, where it came from or where or when the photo was taken. The Iranian-made Ababil-1 is nine and a half feet long, with a range of about 150 miles, and is able to carry up to 88 pounds of payload, such as explosives or camera equipment.
nytimes

Israel Readies First US Co-Production Order for Iron Dome

Israel fielded its seventh Iron Dome intercepting battery under fire last week in an operational debut that destroyed five Gaza-launched rockets headed for Tel Aviv.
The July 10 interception over Tel Aviv by Israel’s Iron Dome battery averted strategic tailwind for Hamas, which claimed credit for the attack that could have triggered a full-scale Israeli invasion of Gaza.
That critical interception and 100 others scored by Iron Dome since the July 7 start of Operation Protective Edge highlights the “strategic significance” of active defenses in Israel’s battle against more than 10,000 Gaza-based rockets threatening nearly three quarters of the country.
As of press time on July 11, no Israelis had been killed in more than 400 Gaza-launched rocket attacks. In contrast, Israeli air, land and sea-based strikes against more than 1,100 targets throughout the strip killed nearly 100 uninvolved Palestinians, most of them women and children.
As Rafael works on the eighth battery in parallel to fast-tracked production of intercepting missiles, it is preparing to receive the first Defense Ministry procurement contract for US-based builds in support of Iron Dome.
The firm recently finalized an agreement making Raytheon its US partner in co-production of major components for the Iron Dome’s Tamir intercepting missile.
The US firm will supply components through various subcontractors.
US investment in Iron Dome was nearly $900 million.
defensenews

Israel targets Hamas UAV development sites

Israel destroyed two sites used to develop unmanned air vehicles during the opening days of its "Pillar of Defense" campaign against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

flightglobal

Israel destroys Gaza drone workshop

The Israeli army destroyed a military drone production workshop in the Gaza Strip belonging to the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement on Friday

spacewar

Gaza missiles fired at Tel Aviv

Residents took cover after air raid sirens alerted them to a missile threat for the first time there since 1991.
One missile landed in an uninhabited area while at least one more is thought to have landed in the sea off the city.
Meanwhile, Israel's defence minister has authorised the call-up of 30,000 reservists.

bbc.co

Los militares españoles en Líbano, en alerta tras la ofensiva israelí en Gaza

A menos de una semana de que comience el repliegue del 30% de las tropas españolas en Líbano, el contingente compuesto por un millar de soldados está en alerta tras lo sucedido en Gaza. Los mandos temen una reacción de los grupos palestinos en represalia por el ataque israelí de ayer.

cadenaser

Israeli air strike kills Hamas military chief Jabari

The head of the military wing of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has been killed during Israeli air and naval strikes in the Gaza Strip.

bbc.co

Hamas fired SA-7 at Israeli aircraft

A Israeli military aircraft flying over the Gaza Strip was attacked by a Hamas SA-7 surface-to-air missile last week. The missile failed to hit its target.

learn more