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https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/i...a-puts-tel-aviv-in-awkward-bind-with-us-44632
A group of over 20 Israelis, including former defence officials, were arrested by Israel’s secret police (ISA) for illegally selling suicide drones to China.
According to the Law For Oversight of Defense Exports, Israel’s Ministry of Defense is required to consult with the Foreign Ministry for weapons sales to any country. This allows Israel to mitigate harm to its foreign policy and international ties.
A previous attempt at selling intelligence collection drones to China was cancelled due to US pressure.
This comes nearly a month after three legal sales of the same weapon were sold to Asian nations. Within Israel, a gag order is in effect.
The revelation comes from investigative journalist Richard Silverstein’s blog, which has been reporting on the details of the sale since February 11.
Silverstein notes this isn’t the only time Israel has attempted defence sales to China, only to earn the United State’s ire.
Unmentioned was the relatively little regulation governing Israel’s defence industry. Israel’s historic record of arms sales shows little concern with human rights records.
The most recent sale of ‘loitering’ suicide drones is the second such deal made between the two nations, with the first taking place in 1998. The ‘Kamikaze’ drones are manufactured by local defence giants Rafael and Israeli Aerospace Industries.
More on the link.
The arrests come at a bad time for Israel, with the US increasingly hawkish on China and the fourth early elections in two years to be held for the Israeli premiership at the end of the month.
A group of over 20 Israelis, including former defence officials, were arrested by Israel’s secret police (ISA) for illegally selling suicide drones to China.
According to the Law For Oversight of Defense Exports, Israel’s Ministry of Defense is required to consult with the Foreign Ministry for weapons sales to any country. This allows Israel to mitigate harm to its foreign policy and international ties.
A previous attempt at selling intelligence collection drones to China was cancelled due to US pressure.
This comes nearly a month after three legal sales of the same weapon were sold to Asian nations. Within Israel, a gag order is in effect.
The revelation comes from investigative journalist Richard Silverstein’s blog, which has been reporting on the details of the sale since February 11.
Silverstein notes this isn’t the only time Israel has attempted defence sales to China, only to earn the United State’s ire.
Unmentioned was the relatively little regulation governing Israel’s defence industry. Israel’s historic record of arms sales shows little concern with human rights records.
The most recent sale of ‘loitering’ suicide drones is the second such deal made between the two nations, with the first taking place in 1998. The ‘Kamikaze’ drones are manufactured by local defence giants Rafael and Israeli Aerospace Industries.
More on the link.
