Danish top court to hear challenge to weapons sales to Israel

The Supreme Court of Denmark is set to consider a lawsuit filed by four humanitarian organisations accusing Denmark of violating international law through arms exports to Israel, according to Al Jazeera.

The case follows a decision in April 2025 by a lower Danish court that dismissed a lawsuit brought against the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and the National Police of Denmark.

The legal action was initiated by the Palestinian human rights organisation Al-Haq, along with ActionAid Denmark and the Danish branches of Amnesty International and Oxfam.

The groups argue that Denmark is breaching its international obligations by exporting spare parts for F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Israel. According to the organisations, such exports are incompatible with Denmark’s legal responsibilities, given what a representative of Amnesty described as “war crimes and genocide” by Israel in the Gaza Strip.

However, the Supreme Court’s review will be limited in scope. It will consider only whether the organisations have the legal standing to challenge in court the legality of arms exports from Denmark.

By Tamilla Hasanova