Israeli citizens protested Tuesday against the sale of weapons from Israel to South Sudan’s government, saying the arms may be used to commit atrocities.
The protesters planned to demonstrate outside the International Defense and Homeland Security Expo, a three-day arms fair held in Tel Aviv, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported.
South Sudan’s Minister of Transport was expected to attend the arms fair, where the Israeli government-owned Israel Military Industries is showcasing its products.
The protesters in Tel Aviv held signs that said “Stop arming South Sudan,” according to photographs posted on Facebook by activist Guy Batavia.
Last week, Israeli national assembly member Tamar Zandberg sent a letter to Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon asking Israel to halt military exports to South Sudan.
“There is reasonable suspicion, Zandberg claimed, that Israeli weapons are being used to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity, and as a result, she said, Defense Ministry export licenses for South Sudan should be revoked,” Haaretz reported.
The African Union recently called for an arms embargo against South Sudan.
Photos via Facebook