Law Firm Lodge Judicial Review Over Funding Allegedly Linked to Israeli Fighter Jets

By Paul Higgins

Prominent law firm Madden & Finucane have lodged Judicial Review proceedings at Belfast High Court amid allegations government departments are part funding companies involved in the supply chain of Israeli jets.

According to their argument, funding provided by the Dep. Of Economy and Invest NI has been sent to companies involved in the supply chain of components and/or equipment for F-35 fighter jets which could be used by Israel in Gaza.

Acting on behalf of a member of Cairde Palestine, Madden and Finucane contend the companies are receiving funding “despite the UK Government accepting that there is a real risk that Israel might commit a serious violation of international humanitarian law, including through the use of F-35 fighter jets.”

Michael Madden, of Madden & Finucane Solicitors, released a statement: “Information obtained by our client raises serious concern that public funds may have been used to create parts for F-35 fighter jets which have been used to drop bombs in Gaza.

“This is upon the backdrop of the current UK rules which demand an immediate halt of all export licences for weapons to Israel. Our client seeks the court’s protection and scrutiny to stop any
more public funds being used to create components or equipment that could be used by Israel
to kill and injure civilians in Palestine.”

The member of Cairde Palestine, added: “We cannot stand by while Israel continues to bomb and starve Palestinians. Invest NI is actively funding companies that may be contributing to the Israeli genocide. Through this legal action we hope to make the public aware of the extent to which taxpayer money may be funding the genocide and other war crimes committed by Israel. As a group, we stand against
all forms of local collusion with the Israeli war machine.”

According to their website, Cairde Palestine are a diverse community of Palestinian solidarity activists with one common goal, “to support a Palestinian-led strategy to end Israeli Apartheid and bring about freedom, justice and equality for the people of Palestine.”

Asked for their comment, a spokesperson for Invest NI simply said: “Invest NI does not comment on ongoing legal proceedings.”

ENDS