"イスラエル製ドローン導入は「虐殺への加担」　集会やハンストで「NO」　小泉防衛相の地元・横須賀や防衛省前で ," 19 January 2026

[Unofficial description by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]

Japan’s Ministry of Defense is set to conduct an open competitive tender on February 17 for the introduction of small attack drones. Under the tender, drones manufactured in Israel, where more than 70,000 residents have been killed in attacks on the Gaza Strip, could be introduced.

In response, a protest rally was held in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, organised by groups including the Network Against Japan Arms Trade (NAJAT) and the Citizens Movement for Declaration of Denuclearization. Around 40 citizens participated. Protesters called not only for the cancellation of the introduction of Israeli-made drones, but also for a halt to the procurement of all Israeli-made weapons and military equipment. They also submitted a written request proposing the establishment of a dedicated unit within the Ministry of Defense to assess defense procurement from a “business and human rights” perspective.

Koji Sugihara, a representative of NAJAT, warned that “purchasing attack drones could amount to aiding and abetting violations of international law.”

The Sanae Takaichi administration, which is pushing to strengthen Japan’s defense capabilities, is widely seen as placing importance on relations with Israel. Despite the fact that a United Nations commission of inquiry has found Israel’s invasion of Gaza as genocide, Japan has already conducted demonstration tests of seven types of drones, including Israeli-made models.

Using Japanese tax revenue to purchase drones from Israeli defense companies risks being perceived by the international community as indirect support for Israel.