Sometimes We Win (at least for a while)

JVL Introduction

It took a lot of work but Belgian activists have been successful in blocking arms going through Antwerp to Israel. They used existing laws, primarily the 2009 Arms Trade Decree that bans arms exports where there is a serious risk of human rights violations, which is clearly the case in terms of Israel’s pulverisation of Gaza.

As well as existing law in Belgium, the Judge looked to International Treaties as well showing that there are clear lessons for those of us in other countries, which is the focus of much of this fascinating and inspiring interview. One victory does not mean the end of the struggle and particular concerns are outlined here in relation to the EU but, of course, the direction of travel in the UK (and US) is towards ever more militarisation and so the campaign cannot stop.

This article was originally published by Open Democracy on Mon 13 Jul 2026. Read the original here.