Six Dutch parties condemn local arms company’s deal with Israeli gunmaker

Six political parties in the Dutch city of Tilburg have condemned a local arms company’s deal with Israeli gunmaker Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). The parties have asked the municipal authorities whether they can prevent weapons produced under the agreement from reaching Israel’s military and whether they can block local production. Tilburg-based AIA bought designs and technical know-how from IWI and plans to make rifles and light machine guns at an industrial park in the city. The agreement covers the Arad 5 infantry rifle and the Negev UX light machine gun. Production will initially take place in Tilburg before moving to a larger site in Overijssel, according to Dutch broadcaster Omroep Brabant .