January 11, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
PBS NewsHourDec 30, 2023
Dutch Court Halts Sale of F-35 Parts to Israel
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The Facts
An appeals court in the Netherlands has ordered the government to pause the export of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel, citing an "undeniable" risk that they will be "used in serious violations of international humanitarian law."
Dutch Trade Minister Geoffrey van Leeuwen said he will abide by the ruling, adding, however, that an appeal to the Dutch Supreme Court would be lodged on the grounds that halting deliveries undermines its foreign policy and risks trade deals involving jet components.
The Spin
Anti-Israel narrative
The Netherlands has long claimed to put human rights above all else, so this decision is clearly the right one for the country. Amid Israel's recent attack against the city of Rafah, over half of Gaza's population is now living in shelters. F-35 jets should not be used to destroy the lives of civilians, and Israel must not be given these weapons until it agrees to stop using them to destroy civilian lives.
Pro-Israel narrative
The problem with F-35 sales to Israel isn't what they'll be used for but rather how many and how quickly they can be sent over. Israel has used these fighter jets to not only defend itself from Hamas but also to shoot down Houthi missiles. Israel faces threats from all sides of the region, which is why it needs the most powerful and up-to-date weapons possible.
