Anadolu Agency has compiled details of European countries’ military sales to Israel since the outbreak of its war on Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reports that France, Italy, Germany, and the US accounted for 81% of the Middle East’s arms imports between 2019 and 2023. Israel’s military spending increased by 24% to $27.5 billion following its attacks on Gaza, making it the second-largest arms spender in the region.
European countries like Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain decided to halt arms sales to Israel, but there are reports that this trade has continued. Germany remains Israel’s largest European arms supplier, providing 30% of imports. France is a significant supplier of parts for Israel’s missile defense system. Italy has sold weapons to Israel, with reports of ongoing sales despite claims of a halt. The UK has issued over £448 million in arms licenses to Israel since 2015.
Other European countries like Portugal, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary have also exported arms to Israel. Israel’s actions in Gaza have faced international condemnation, with allegations of genocide.
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