Milanović: I warned Plenković too, Croatian Armed Forces will not cooperate with the Israeli army

(Patria) - Due to the unacceptable conduct of the Israeli army and the unprecedented violation of all norms of international humanitarian law, back in May last year I ordered the cessation of all cooperation between the Croatian Armed Forces and the Israeli army, concerning all members of the Croatian Army. At the same time, I called on the Government of the Republic of Croatia to cease all forms of arms and military equipment trade with Israel, stated Croatian President Zoran Milanović today in a reaction, while the country's Minister of Defence is on an official visit to Israel.

"In a recent phone conversation, I directly warned the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia that any form of military cooperation with Israel would be unacceptable. Since the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić is on an official visit to Israel, where he will meet with representatives of Israeli defense industry companies and representatives of the Directorate for International Military-Technical Cooperation, as the Supreme Commander of the Croatian Armed Forces, I reiterate that the Croatian Armed Forces will not cooperate with the Israeli army in any way in the future.

To prevent any damage to the Republic of Croatia, it is important to emphasize: members of the Croatian Armed Forces will not participate in any way in the implementation of any agreement, contract, or arrangement with the Israeli army or the Israeli military industry. Such an agreement, contract, or arrangement would therefore be unenforceable and detrimental to Croatia.

In this context, I call on the Government of the Republic of Croatia – which is competent and responsible for the procurement of military equipment and weapons – to suspend all planned agreements, contracts, or arrangements that would involve the purchase of weapons and military equipment from Israel. It is the Prime Minister's responsibility to react in a timely manner and act in accordance with the interests of the Republic of Croatia. And Croatian interests lie in cooperation with NATO allies and, at the same time, strengthening the capacity of Croatian industry for indirect or direct participation in the production of military equipment," Milanović stated.