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European states criticize Israel, but keep relying on its defense technology - analysis

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Context piece
  • European governments are criticizing Israel diplomatically while continuing to rely on Israeli defense systems, technology and technical support.
  • Spain has imposed an arms and defense embargo but allows exemptions when restrictions could harm national interests, enabling some cooperation to continue.
  • Replacing Israeli systems would require time, high costs and alternative European or domestic capabilities that are not immediately available.

Europe’s criticism of Israel is growing, but its defense relationship with Jerusalem remains firmly in place. Even governments that have imposed sanctions, restricted political ties or adopted tougher rhetoric are not moving quickly to abandon Israeli weapons systems and technology.

“Most countries maintain a certain degree of duality,” political officials familiar with the issue said. Spain offers the clearest example. Madrid passed a law in September 2025 designed to create a broad embargo on weapons and defense equipment involving Israel. The measure covers both exports to Israel and imports from the country.

Yet the embargo includes an exception for deals whose cancellation would harm “general national interests.” Israeli officials say the law is not airtight and that defense arrangements continued after it took effect. Spanish officials have also used the exemption mechanism to let Airbus continue using Israeli technology in strategic projects, arguing that a complete cutoff could damage production capabilities, jobs and defense programs without an immediate substitute.

Most countries maintain a certain degree of duality.

· Political officials familiar with the issueThe officials described the gap between European criticism of Israel and continuing defense ties.

Discussions in Spain have highlighted its dependence on Israeli technology, licenses and technical support for several defense systems. Replacing those components immediately would not be possible, and developing Spanish or European alternatives would carry high costs. Madrid has canceled some Israeli deals and projects, while working to reduce its dependence, but it has not ended defense cooperation altogether.

The Netherlands is also advancing measures against trade with Israeli settlements. At the same time, European states are increasing defense spending and confronting the Russian threat. Where no ready alternative exists, the political pressure to distance themselves from Israel continues to collide with their military requirements.

There is nothing airtight, and they are not following it either.

· Israeli officialsThe officials characterized Spain’s defense embargo and its exemptions.
About this summary

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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