European Arms Embargo Could Derail Export by Israeli-owned Companies to Israel

Amid the clamor among a section of European politicians for imposing an arms embargo over the Gaza genocide, concern has grown that subsidiaries of Israeli companies could be barred from exporting to Israel.

"Israel's deteriorating international standing amid the ongoing war, coupled with various countries' restrictions on arms exports to Israel, could lead to a situation where wholly Israeli-owned foreign defense companies are unable to export weaponry to Israel," wrote Israeli newspaper Haaretz today.

On October 5, French President Emmanuel Macron called for a political solution in Gaza and the cessation of arms deliveries to Israel, positioning France against the U.S. “I think that today, the priority is that we return to a political solution, that we stop delivering weapons to fight in Gaza,” Macron said in an interview with France Inter.

He confirmed that France is no longer sending arms to Israel. This stance contrasts with the U.S., which provides Israel €3.4 billion in military aid annually as part of a 10-year agreement. Meanwhile, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in central Paris to demand an end to the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

What products do Israel-owned European companies manufacture?

The European subsidiaries of Israeli defense companies play a significant role in manufacturing and supplying a range of defense products across the continent. Elbit Systems subsidiaries are actively involved in various defense markets. For example, Elbit Systems UK Ltd. provides products like the Skylark I-LEX mini UAV, THOR tactical UAS, Joint Fires Synthetic Trainer (JFST) for artillery coordination, and Lizard Precision-Guided Bombs. In Germany, Elbit Systems Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG offers systems such as the TIGERfire networked fire control system, SMART MRCS communication solutions, MUSST unmanned systems support tool, and J-Music DIRCM aircraft protection system. Elbit Systems Sweden AB provides XACT nv33 Night Vision Goggles and the Seagull USV, a multi-mission unmanned surface vessel. Similarly, Elbit Systems of Switzerland AG produces advanced avionics like Helmet Mounted Displays (HMD) and UAVs such as the Hermes 450 and Seagull USV. Elbit Systems Netherlands BV is known for its E-LynX tactical radios and Hermes 900 UAV for long-endurance ISR operations.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) subsidiaries also contribute important defense technologies. In the UK, IAI Europe Ltd. supplies the Heron UAV, Barak 8 naval missile defense system, and ELM-2084 Radar used in Iron Dome systems. In Spain, IAI Spain SL delivers the Heron TP UAV and the LORA precision artillery weapon system. IAI Belgium NV/SA is involved in satellite manufacturing, including the TERRA Satellite, and airborne radar systems like the EL/W-2085 AEW&C. In France, IAI France SARL provides the HAROP loitering munition and C-Dome, a naval missile defense system.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has a strong presence in Europe with subsidiaries like Rafael UK Ltd., offering the Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missile, Trophy Active Protection System for vehicles, and BNET Tactical Radio. In France, Rafael France SAS supplies the Spike ER missile and components of the Iron Dome air defense system. In Germany, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems GmbH is known for the Spike LR missile and the SAMSON Remote Weapon Station for armored vehicles.

Aeronautics Group operates in Germany through Aeronautics Defense Systems GmbH, producing UAVs like the Orbiter 2 and Orbiter 3 for reconnaissance missions, and the Pegasus 120 for cargo transport. Plasan UK Ltd. provides advanced armor and vehicle solutions, such as the SandCat 4x4 armored vehicle, Plasan MRAP Armor Kits, and M-ATV Armor Kit for the Oshkosh MRAP vehicle. Together, these subsidiaries provide a wide range of sophisticated defense technologies to European military forces, from UAVs and missile systems to armored vehicles and protective systems.

Defense equipment being used in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict

Several defense products from Israeli companies and their European subsidiaries are being used in the Israel-Gaza conflict. Rafael's Iron Dome, with IAI’s ELM-2084 Radar and Tamir interceptors, defends against rocket attacks on Israeli cities. Rafael’s Trophy APS, deployed on Merkava tanks, intercepts anti-tank missiles and RPGs, protecting Israeli forces. Spike Missiles (ER and NLOS variants) are used by the IDF for precision strikes on fortified targets. Elbit Systems' Hermes 450 and 900 UAVs support surveillance and airstrikes, while IAI’s HAROP loitering munitions conduct targeted strikes with precision.