Flemish authorities inspect controversial container bound for Israeli defence firm

A container in the Port of Antwerp, reportedly destined for Israeli defence company Ashot Ashkelon Industries, is currently being held and inspected by Flemish authorities. The move follows public outcry and political pressure over the shipment’s potential military end use.

According to De Morgen, the container holds three pallets of tapered roller bearings manufactured in France by the US company Timken. The bearings, considered “dual use” items (suitable for both civilian and military applications) were set to be shipped via shipping company MSC to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

While no export licence was requested, Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele confirmed on Saturday that the Strategic Goods Control (dCSG) is now investigating the cargo. “The container has been set aside and is under inspection”, he said. “If it contains materials that could reinforce the Israeli military, further steps will be taken, including blocking the export and filing an official report.”

“If it contains materials that could reinforce the Israeli military, further steps will be taken”

Flemish regulations prohibit the export or transit of goods that could directly support the Israeli Defence Forces. The bearings are bound for Ashot Ashkelon, a key supplier of transmission systems for Israel’s Merkava tanks and Namer armoured vehicles, both actively used in the Gaza conflict.

Opposition party Groen has called for the shipment to be stopped altogether. “There is a genocide taking place in Gaza, and our ports should not be facilitating it, even indirectly”, said Groen MP Nadia Naji. She criticised the Flemish government for failing to strengthen oversight of arms-related exports despite repeated requests.

^{#FlandersNewsService | A MSC container ship in the port of Antwerp © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS}