At the Port of Antwerp, a shipment of tapered roller bearings, components used in the manufacture of tanks, is ready to be shipped to Israel despite a Flemish ban on exporting military elements that “enhance the capacity of the Israeli armed forces,” according to a report by De Morgen on Saturday.
No licence has been requested for this shipment even though such a licence is normally required for items designed for military purposes. Tapered roller bearings can also be used in civilian applications, potentially negating the need for a licence.
The recipient of the shipment is Ashot Ashkelon Industries, an Israeli manufacturer of aerospace and defence components, which derives two-thirds of its revenue from supplying the Israeli army.
Hans Lammerant, a researcher with the NGO Vredesactie, stated, “It is unlikely that this delivery is not intended for the Israeli army. Flanders should thoroughly investigate this.”
