Belgium Seizes UK Arms Shipment Bound for Israel Over Licensing Violations
Belgian authorities have seized two shipments of military components sent from Britain to Israel, citing violations of transit regulations. The consignments, which departed the UK on March 23 and were intercepted at Liege Airport on March 24, contained fire control systems and spare parts for military aircraft that were not properly declared. This action aligns with Belgium's ban on aircraft carrying military equipment for Israel from using its airspace or stopping in the country. Investigations revealed that the items were exported under an Open Individual Export Licence, classified incorrectly as general aircraft components rather than military goods. The Walloon regional government identified Moog, an American aerospace firm with British factories, as one of the companies involved. Sources indicate that at least 17 similar consignments from Moog have passed through Liege Airport recently. While the UK government suspended many arms export licenses to Israel in September 2024 due to humanitarian concerns in Gaza, it maintains that strict licensing requirements remain in force. Belgian officials stated that no transit license was requested for these shipments, and if it had been, it would have been refused. A criminal investigation has been opened, though specific firms involved in the complaint remain unnamed by federal authorities.
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Belgium Seizes UK Arms Shipment Bound for Israel Over Licensing Violations
Belgian authorities have seized two shipments of military components sent from Britain to Israel, citing violations of transit regulations. The consignments, which departed the UK on March 23 and were intercepted at Liege Airport on March 24, contained fire control systems and spare parts for military aircraft that were not properly declared. This action aligns with Belgium's ban on aircraft carrying military equipment for Israel from using its airspace or stopping in the country. Investigations revealed that the items were exported under an Open Individual Export Licence, classified incorrectly as general aircraft components rather than military goods. The Walloon regional government identified Moog, an American aerospace firm with British factories, as one of the companies involved. Sources indicate that at least 17 similar consignments from Moog have passed through Liege Airport recently. While the UK government suspended many arms export licenses to Israel in September 2024 due to humanitarian concerns in Gaza, it maintains that strict licensing requirements remain in force. Belgian officials stated that no transit license was requested for these shipments, and if it had been, it would have been refused. A criminal investigation has been opened, though specific firms involved in the complaint remain unnamed by federal authorities.
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