Germany Defends Arms Sales to Israel at International Court of Justice
Germany’s legal representation has rejected accusations from Nicaragua that it violated the United Nations convention on genocide by supplying military equipment to Israel. The defense arguments were presented at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on Tuesday.
Nicaragua had accused Germany of complicity in Israel’s alleged war crimes by providing military equipment, including a significant increase in arms sales in 2023. The Central American country also alleged that Germany had stopped funding the UN aid agency dedicated to Palestinians.
In response, Germany’s lawyers argued that Nicaragua’s case was based on weak evidence and a unilateral view of the conflict. They emphasized that Israel’s security is at the core of Germany’s foreign policy due to historical reasons.
Germany acknowledged its support for Israel but accused Nicaragua of distorting the nature of the military supplies. The legal representatives also highlighted Germany’s efforts to fulfill its responsibilities towards both Palestinians and Israelis, including providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Nicaragua’s lawyers demanded that Germany suspend arms sales to Israel, citing the risk of these weapons being used to commit genocide. Critics have pointed out Nicaragua’s own human rights record, including the government’s crackdown on dissent and protests.
The case has raised broader questions about the responsibility of countries supplying weapons to conflict zones. Legal experts suggest that the outcome of the case against Germany could clarify the obligations of states in preventing genocide and ensuring respect for humanitarian law.
The Israeli offensive in Gaza has led to thousands of casualties, with concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region. The ICJ proceedings continue as both Germany and Nicaragua present their arguments before the international court.