Stop the Container: No Weapons for Genocide
Jul 02 2025
3 minutes
In early July, two containers containing tapered roller bearings, which are components for military vehicles, were spotted in the Deurganck dock of the Port of Antwerp. The destination: the Israeli defense company Ashot Ashkelon Industries. One container had already left when Vredesactie reported the transport. The other was intercepted in time and is currently being held for inspection. However, that container is also in danger of leaving for Israel on July 11.
Four Flemish organisations – Vredesactie, INTAL, 11.11.11 and the League for Human Rights – are sounding the alarm. They are formally putting the Flemish government in default for the lack of appropriate action, and are preparing legal steps to stop the container.
What's in the container?
The container contains so-called tapered roller bearings, which are parts for military vehicles, produced by the American multinational Timken and shipped via France with shipping company MSC. The recipient is Ashot Ashkelon Industries, a Israeli defense company which supplies parts for Merkava tanks and Namer armored vehicles – both used in the genocide in Gaza.
Although the components can also be used for civil purposes on paper, the military end use is clear here. This makes them subject to a permit under the Flemish Arms Trade Decree. However, MSC did not apply for a permit.
Flanders looks away
Despite a formal complaint of Vredesactie on 6 June and parliamentary questions from Nadia Naji (Groen) and Jos D'Haese (PVDA), among others, the Flemish government remained vague and passive. Prime Minister Matthias Diependaele is hiding behind the Strategic Goods Control Service (dCSG), which has not yet offered any transparency and does not enforce where this is clearly necessary.
This attitude is irresponsible, say the NGOs. According to them, this is not an isolated case. Earlier, F-35 parts and large quantities of ammunition passed through Flanders on their way to Israel, in violation of Flemish and international legislation. The organizations involved therefore speak of a structural lack of control over arms transit.
Violation of the law
De Flemish government violates with her passivity not only her own regulations, but also international treaties. For example, the Genocide Convention of 1948 obliges states to actively prevent themselves from contributing to genocide – including through economic and logistical support. The deliberate permission for the transit of military equipment to a country that is guilty of war crimes or genocide, makes a state complicit.
In times of genocide it should be crystal clear: you do not allow transit or export of goods if there is a risk that they contribute to the genocide that is currently taking place before our eyes in Gaza. What is the Flemish government waiting for to take action to stop this container and finally close all the loopholes? says Isabelle Vanbrabant of Intal
Stop arms for Israel
Peace Action, Intal, 11.11.11 and other civil society organizations also launched the citizen initiative 'Stop Arms for Israel' in June, which calls for a stricter Flemish arms export policy. While the new Flemish Defense Plan focuses on relaxing export regulations, they demand a closed military embargo on Israel. Only in this way can Flanders guarantee that it will no longer contribute to the genocide in Gaza.
Support our work
Because the Flemish government is not taking action, Vredesactie, INTAL, 11.11.11 and the League for Human Rights are jointly proposing an emergency legal procedure. This should prevent the container from leaving on 11 July. Such a lawsuit costs a lot of money – and that is why we are calling on your help.
Support our work through the crowdfunding campaign.
We ask you for a contribution - small or large - to cover the legal costs of +- 15 euros. In this way you help to stop that container!
If you can't contribute yourself, share our call via social media and help increase the pressure.
