Austria’s 2024 Arms Exports to Israel: Details and Context from EU Statistics

Israeli arms exports in 2024 totaled 1,113,771 euros, as reported in EU statistics. The breakdown includes land vehicles (€210,496), electronic equipment (€3,000), high kinetic energy weapons systems (€200,000), objects and materials (€111,248), equipment and manufacturing technology (€9,027), and technology (€580,000). These figures were disclosed by the EU database Coarm, which tracks arms exports across the bloc.

The 2024 data marks the first year of the Israeli Gaza War following the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023. In Austria, the Ministry of the Interior oversees exports of war material, while the Ministry of Economic Affairs handles other defense equipment and dual-use goods. The Austrian government has not contested the figures in EU statistics.

The Ministry of Interior Press Office clarified that no export permit to Israel was issued under the War Materials Act. The Ministry of Economy noted that only a small portion of the permits were used. Most exports to Israel were part of a vehicle project for an EU member country’s army, with the final customer being an EU state. Other exports included spare parts for a laboratory, lighting for logistic vehicles, and samples or visual objects.

The Chamber of Labour advocates for greater transparency in export control. Aaron Gruber, a foreign trade consultant with the AK, argues that regular arms export reports, similar to those in other European states, should be implemented. He also calls for closing structural control gaps in the military use of dual-use goods to prevent future incidents like the Rotax/Gaza case.

The European Union faces challenges in addressing Israel’s limited adherence to international law. A UN report by Secretary General Antonio Guterres on May 28 highlighted allegations of rape and sexual violence by Israeli soldiers, aligning with long-standing claims from human rights organizations. The black list of special rapporteur Pramila Patten includes Russia, the Congo, Hamas, and now Israel.

The Israeli government’s counter-propaganda against the UN has drawn criticism from European nations, as it undermines international efforts to address human rights concerns. This dynamic reflects broader tensions over accountability and the rule of law in international relations.

Source: Read the original report (translated from German)