A Brussels court has ordered the Flemish government to stop all transit of military-related products unless there is certainty they are intended solely for civilian use, imposing a fine of 50,000 euros for non-compliance.

This ruling was prompted by the detention of a container at the Port of Antwerp suspected to contain military components destined for Israel, specifically for the Israeli defense company Ashot Ashkelon Industries.

The shipment, which included tapered roller bearings used in military vehicles, was intercepted after a Belgian NGO, Vredesactie, alerted authorities four days post-arrival, leading to the shipment being held at the port.

The court's decision emphasizes that the container must not leave the port under any circumstances, and violators could face fines of up to 50,000 euros per incident.

The court's ruling is seen as a historic victory by NGOs, highlighting Flanders' responsibility to halt military goods shipments despite existing regulations.

The case involved a shipment of conical bearings produced by Timken, which are classified as dual-use goods, applicable for both civilian and military purposes, due to their heavy-duty design.

This legal action is part of broader concerns, as NGOs report that several ships travel monthly between Antwerp and Israel, raising questions about compliance with international arms trade laws.

The Flemish government, led by Minister-President Matthias Diependaele, announced plans to appeal the court's decision, criticizing it as disconnected from reality.

The ruling could set a precedent if similar actions are pursued in Wallonia, where a related investigation is ongoing regarding military cargo destined for Israel via Liège Airport.

The legal action was initiated by NGOs including Vredesactie and Ligue des droits humains, who argued that the components were likely intended for military use.

This decision underscores the importance of strict adherence to laws regulating the export and transit of military and dual-use goods, especially amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.