From the factories in Colmar to Israeli Merkava tanks deployed in Gaza: TIMKEN Europe before the Colmar Judicial Court

A legal action questioning corporate responsibility within international military supply chains

The association JURDI (Lawyers for the Respect of International Law), represented by Mr Grégory THUAN DIT DIEUDONNE, has brought proceedings against the company TIMKEN EUROPE

Industrial components from France incorporated into lethal military systems

According to the evidence submitted in support of the summons, TIMKEN EUROPE manufactures high-precision mechanical bearings in Colmar, which are used in critical transmission systems. These components are supplied to Ashot Ashkelon Industries, a major player in the Israeli defence industry, whose products are incorporated, in particular, into:

  • Merkava main battle tanks
  • Namer armoured vehicles

The targeted and documented shipments passed through European logistics networks, departing from Colmar, including the port of Antwerp (where a consignment was seized in June 2025 by the Belgian authorities due to concerns regarding its end use), Paris Airport and Strasbourg Airport.

Military operations in several conflict zones

The equipment in question is being used in operations conducted since October 2023 in the Gaza Strip, and currently in southern Lebanon, in a conflict characterised by urban combat and documented attacks on civilian infrastructure. Among the incidents mentioned:

  • on 29 January 2024, involving a Merkava tank, which caused the death of the young girl Hind Rajab;
  • the use of armoured vehicles during operations near hospital facilities, including Al-Shifa Hospital

Similar deployments were observed in the West Bank, as well as in southern Lebanon between 2025 and 2026. In this area, several incidents were reported:

  • 16 January 2026: gunfire near a UNIFIL position
  • 29 March 2026: death of a United Nations staff member, attributed to tank fire according to international reports

A case grounded in international public order and French civil law

In this context, JURDI maintains that the contractual relationships in question must be examined in the light of international humanitarian law and the principles of international public order. The association considers that there is a risk of contributing to activities that may constitute serious violations of international law, in a context where several international courts (ICJ, ICC) and competent administrative authorities (UN, International Commission of Inquiry, etc.) have, since 26 January 2024, identified a plausible risk of genocide and massive violations of international humanitarian law.

From a domestic legal perspective, the action is based on the provisions of the Civil Code relating to the nullity of contracts on the grounds that their subject-matter or purpose is unlawful, and the regime governing civil liability in tort.

Applications seeking the termination of commercial relations

Through these proceedings, JURDI requests that the Colmar Judicial Court:

  • to declare the disputed contracts null and void
  • to order the immediate cessation of deliveries
  • to prohibit any future commercial dealings between the parties concerned

The association emphasises the importance of ensuring that domestic law is applied in a manner consistent with France’s international commitments, particularly with regard to the prevention of serious violations of fundamental rights.

A major issue: corporate responsibility in armed conflicts

Beyond this specific case, these proceedings raise a fundamental question:

Can a company continue to supply essential components for military systems used in operations denounced as illegal under international law?

For JURDI, the answer is clear:

“Companies must fulfil their responsibilities. Where there is a serious risk that their products may contribute to international crimes, they cannot simply claim commercial neutrality.”

A case with significant legal and media implications

This case could mark a decisive step towards:

  • holding multinational companies to account
  • the application of international law by French civil courts
  • the monitoring of supply chains in sensitive sectors
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