Arab News Japan
TOKYO: Fifteen lawmakers from across Japan’s political spectrum visited Israel to examine advanced weapons systems like drones and AI engines used in the Gaza war. With major security policy updates ahead, they are considering these technologies for Japan’s future military arsenal.
The delegation, led by ONODERA Itsunori, head of the ruling party’s National Security Research Council, held meetings with Israel’s Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and President during its January 5 to 8 visits.
Before leaving Japan, Onodera posted on his X account, “It is a courtesy visit.. for an exchange of views on defense policy at the Israeli Ministry of Defense. Israel has the world’s most advanced technology in missile defense, cyber, and drones, which will be useful for considering Japan’s future security policies and formulating an effective security strategy that enhances deterrence.”
Japan and Israel signed an agreement in 2019 to protect classified information related to defense equipment and technology.
Local media reported that “Netanyahu thanked the Japanese group for the help Japan provided Israel during the war.”
During their meetings, the Japanese lawmakers discussed the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and considered support for Gaza’s reconstruction.
Onodera shared on his X account that on October 7, 2023, he visited Music Square and a nearby kibbutz, both sites of a Hamas attack. He reported that 1,400 civilians were killed. He described the scenes as tragic, noting the display of photos of the victims and visible evidence of violence in the kibbutz homes.
A member of Parliament noted that the group also visited Jerusalem’s Old City and paused to pray at the Western Wall.
Some Japanese citizens criticized the delegation and its visit in comments posted on X. One commenter stated that any members who support the actions in Israel should remain there and not return to Japan.
Another commenter questioned why the delegation did not spend time in Gaza and the West Bank.
“Even if Prime Minister Netanyahu expresses gratitude to ‘Japan,’ I will reject it. As a human being, I have no right to be thanked by the leader of a genocidal state,” one Japanese person wrote. “I believe this ‘courtesy visit’ is an act of complicity in genocide that cannot be reversed. Please impose economic sanctions as soon as possible. And please end this impunity.”
Other comments reflecting public opinion in Japan expressed concern about the delegation’s engagement with Israeli leadership, citing the Israeli attacks on Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria, and the humanitarian impact on civilians.
A writer using the name Chiko expressed strong disapproval of lawmakers posing while smiling for photos with Israeli leadership.
Another comment expressed frustration regarding the use of Japanese tax money for the delegation’s visit.
One comment said the delegation was made up of war criminals who should be arrested.
AloJapan.com