The systematic destruction of the Palestinian people is structured around a global military-industrial complex. It is estimated that 69% of the heavy weaponry imported by Israel to devastate the Palestinian population comes from US corporations, while 30% comes from German corporations (SIPRI, 2023).

• Lockheed Martin (US): Supplies F-35s and JDAM guided bombs. Operates in Europe through subsidiaries such as MBDA (UK/France/Germany) which manufacture Aster missiles.
• General Dynamics (US/Canada): Manufactures MK-80 ammunition used in bombers. They are manufactured in plants in Poland and Spain (where it has highly controversial facilities in Alcalá de Henares).

In Europe, corporations from different countries have contracts for this purpose.

• Rheinmetall AG (Germany). Manufacturer of armoured vehicles that has supplied ammunition and components to Israel.
• Atlas Elektronik (Germany). German company that collaborates in the maintenance of Dolphin submarines used by Israel through industrial partnerships.
• Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy). Italian defence company whose aircraft and component manufacturing division (e.g. the M-346 model) was exported to Israel.

In addition, there are Israeli arms companies that have plants in European territory or agreements with European companies in the sector. One example is Elbit Systems, which supplies Hermes 450 drones used in Gaza and the West Bank and has plants in the United Kingdom (Staffordshire) and partnerships with the French company Thales.

European legislation allowed these transactions through Article 346 of the TFEU, which exempts sales ‘essential for national security’ from control. This clause has facilitated contracts worth millions (estimated at over £1 billion since 2023) despite contravening the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits the trade in arms when they are used to commit war crimes.

The global BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel) campaign identified more than 130 collaborating companies in Europe. Unique cases include banks such as HSBC and Deutsche Bank, which finance these operations through loans in tax havens.