Public institutions in European Union countries are signing profitable contracts with Israeli companies despite Israel's long track record of war crimes in the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank, data collected by Statewatch and revealed by Al Jazeera shows.

The figures show that EU member states signed 194 contracts worth nearly €2.7 billion ($3.1bn) between January 2022 and July 2025. The real value is likely higher, as public EU files report only a fraction of contracts.

The number of contracts grew after Israel launched its war on Gaza. In the 21 months before October 2023, there were 82 deals worth over €1.2 billion; in the following 21 months, 112 contracts worth €1.6 billion were signed.

Hungary, Israel's closest ally in Europe, signed the most contracts (42) worth almost €603 million. Germany signed 37 contracts, but many values are undisclosed.

Spain, among Europe's most vocal critics of Israel, agreed to 14 contracts worth almost €227 million, including a €207 million deal with Rafael for "aerial combat systems".

The business-as-usual attitude contrasts with ongoing ICJ trials against Israel for violating the Genocide Convention. In 2024, the ICJ found a "real and imminent risk" of irreparable harm to Palestinians.

Yussef Al Tamimi, a professor at Central European University, called the EU's approach "legally untenable", noting the ICJ opinion is binding on all EU states.

Most contracts involve advanced technologies like weapons systems and computer chips. Israeli firms Elbit Systems, Rafael, and Troya Tech are among top contractors.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, urge suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Amnesty's Eve Geddie said: "The EU has allowed Israel to continue violations in total impunity."

Source: www.aljazeera.com