Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel of Portugal finally said that a ship with a Portuguese flag is carrying explosives that are going to Israel. He had been avoiding a clear answer for weeks. Political groups like the Left Bloc have been putting more and more pressure on the government by saying that it is indirectly supporting bloodshed in Gaza. This news comes after the government denied the allegations. Rangel says the situation is more complicated than it seems, even though he has been criticized.
MV Kathrin Journey And Left Bloc Accusations
The MV Kathrin is a Portuguese ship that is currently making her way across African oceans though the journey has been shockingly slow. Some ship tracking websites have lost track of the ship completely while others have given confusing information. Vessel Finder says that the ship should get to Montenegro by October 1. But Rangel disclosed that some of the items are going to Israel.
Minister said:
This ship isn’t heading for Israel, it is heading for two ports on the Adriatic, one in Slovenia and the other in Montenegro. When I spoke, what we knew was that it was carrying explosive material, which is basically the material that would be used by the buyers of this material for their firms’ and companies’ own purposes. Meanwhile, we continued to receive new information and it was established that the material was destined for three countries, one of them Israel
The explosives will also be sent to companies in Poland and Slovakia, both of which are NATO members. Rangel is sure that the components are only for companies that are legally making weapons. However, critics worry that this will drag Portugal into a greater worldwide problem.
The Portuguese political party Left Bloc is one of the most active critics of the shipment. They said that the government is basically supporting Israel’s war operations in Gaza by letting a Portuguese-flagged ship carry weapons to Israel. Some in the party have gone as far as to say Portugal has a role in what they call the “genocide” of Palestinians.
But Rangel disagrees. While he acknowledges the political sensitivity of the matter. He strongly opposes any offense that points to the legal system that allows for such transport.
The “Dual Use” Defense
Rangel justifies the government’s stance by stating that the bombs within the MV Kathrin have a “dual use.” This means that while they can be used for military reasons. They can also serve non-military functions, like building projects, public works, or mines. Rangel argues that because of this difference the package does not break international law.
He said:
The German-owned ship will finish its freight in the Adriatic Sea, and then the material will be transported by other boats or by land to its final destinations. Half the cargo will be delivered to companies that manufacture arms for Israel, the other half to companies that manufacture arms in Poland and Slovakia
Rangel did acknowledge that organizations producing weapons for Israel would get half of the shipment. This statement has raised questions with critics asking whether the government is simply using the law details to defend its actions.
Portugal’s Arms Export Ban
Portugal officially bans the sale of weapons to Israel which is a policy to keep the country out of conflict in the Middle East. Yet Rangel’s statement has many perception about how strictly this ban is being applied. He insists that the materials on the MV Kathrin cannot be considered as weapons especially not weapons of mass destruction, and thus do not fall under the export ban.
The Left Bloc and other opposition groups contend that the government is hiding behind legal discrepancies. Because they are allowing materials to reach Israeli arms manufacturers indirectly.
Minister said:
The (Portuguese) government prohibited this month a plane from flying over the country from the US carrying arms to Israel
It’s interesting to note that Rangel also disclosed that Portugal blocked an American aircraft from passing over their territory just this month. The plane was bringing weapons to Israel. This move shows that the government is ready to intervene in particular situations. Yet, the MV Kathrin’s journey shows that these measures may not be uniform across all cases.
Also read: Portugal Complicity in Genocide: BE Warns of International Law Violation
Government Policies
The MV Kathrin has previously been subject to controversy. The ship was prohibited entry into Namibia because of its link to Israel. Several reports have also been made that they were charging the vessel with bringing war weapons that could be used in Gaza. The allegations have only fueled the discussion over Portugal’s involvement.
Some support Rangel’s stance by saying that the entire shipment meets with international law. Others feel that Portugal is too close to a war that many see as morally questionable.
Paulo Rangel said that the government is keeping a close eye on the matter and that the explosives on board are legal for time being. However, the Left Bloc and other opposition groups are unlikely to let the matter drop without further review.
The Portuguese government will have to choose in the next several days whether to risk further political backlash or take further action that includes taking down the Portuguese flag from the MV Kathrin.
