Japanese firm cuts ties with Israeli defence company citing ICJ ruling

Itochu Corp’s aviation unit will end its strategic cooperation with Israeli defence company Elbit Systems by the end of the month after the ICJ ordered Israel to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians and do more to help civilians.

Itochu Aviation, Elbit Systems, and Nippon Aircraft Supply (NAS) signed the strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding (MoU) in March. Itochu plans to end the collaboration after the World Court ordered Israel last month to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians and do more to help civilians, Itochu chief financial officer Tsuyoshi Hachimura said.

"Taking into consideration the International Court of Justice's order on January 26, and that the Japanese government supports the role of the Court, we have already suspended new activities related to the MOU, and plan to end the MOU by the end of February," added Hachimura.