Brussels (24brussels) – Flemish Prime Minister Matthias Diependaele announced plans for stricter checks on military goods destined for Israel following a judge’s criticism of the inspection services regarding a suspect shipment flagged by peace organizations in Antwerp.
During an interview on Radio 1’s De ochtend, Diependaele outlined that the Flemish government is actively working to enhance inspections of military goods transiting through the region, with the first measures expected to be implemented by the end of 2024.
The Department of Control on Strategic Goods (DCSG), which issues export permits, will receive additional resources as part of this initiative. Two new staff members were added in September 2024, enabling closer monitoring of shipments. Diependaele noted that the government will evaluate whether further personnel increases are needed in the 2026 budget, as detailed in the 2024 Flemish coalition agreement and the Defence Plan adopted in April 2025.
What triggered the court’s warning on arms to Israel?
Despite already initiating improvements in inspection protocols, the Flemish government has decided to appeal the court’s ruling, creating tension among coalition partners. The party Vooruit criticized the lack of prior consultation before the appeal.
Diependaele stated that the decision to appeal is not an attempt to disregard the court’s authority but rather to seek clarity on legal obligations. The court mandated the government to halt shipments if there is a possibility they involve military goods intended for Israel. The government is now seeking guidance from the court on compliance methods during the pending appeal.
“As a result, Flanders risks legal action from the other side, from the exporting company,” Diependaele stated.
He further emphasized that the government must navigate potential challenges posed by exporting companies claiming their goods are being unlawfully blocked. Regarding a specific shipment, Diependaele affirmed, “no one has the intention of sending those goods to Israel.”
In June 2025, a container en route from France to Israel was halted at the port of Antwerp following concerns raised by peace organizations regarding its cargo and destination. This container, which included three pallets of tapered roller bearings, components that can be utilized in military vehicles, was destined for Ashot Ashkelon Industries, an Israeli manufacturer of Merkava tanks and Namer armored vehicles, both employed in operations in Gaza.
Belgian authorities did not independently intervene with the shipment; it was only after peace organizations lodged a complaint and pursued legal action that the container was detained. The court ruled against allowing the shipment to proceed.
The judge issued a veiled warning to the government, indicating that it cannot “leave legal and treaty responsibilities to citizens who are paying attention.” The ruling emphasized the need for proactive government measures rather than reactive responses to complaints.
“It is specifically the Flemish Strategic Goods Control Service, the DCSG, that must ensure that the arms trade decree is enforced,” explained Nils Duquet, director of the Flemish Peace Institute.
“And that Flemish service must do much more to enforce these rules, the judge says.”
Customs officials mentioned they only check goods based on directives from the Flemish government, which in turn acts only on indications from customs. This lack of coordination results in significant confusion, leading to unchecked potentially hazardous shipments.
The court also criticized this system, noting that five shipments leave Antwerp for Israel each month that may require special documentation. The judge warned that other dangerous shipments might have already been overlooked. The court mandated the government to address these issues promptly.
