Two tanks of the Belgian army were burnt down by Molotovs cocktails in the parking lot of the OIP company on Sunday morning in the Westerring zone, in Audenarde. The OIP firm is a subsidiary of the Israeli multinational Elbit Systems. The two vehicles, Piranha III bought in 2006 for 1.5 million euros per unit from the Swiss manufacturer Mowag to replace Leopard tanks, have completely burned. OIP was founded in Ghent in 1919 under the name of Optics and Precision Instruments to develop and produce lenses and objectives for the army. Since the 1960s, it was a pioneer of electro-optics, with innovations such as one of the first head-up displays (for Lockheed F-104) and shooting control systems (for Leopard tanks) . The company also manufactures holographic night vision glasses.
The inscription “Shut Elbit Down” registered on the OIP walls is explained by this fact that in 2003, OIP was bought by the Israeli arms company Elbit Systems. Elbit produces white phosphorus ammunition and drones that were used by Israel during its attacks against Gaza. Elbit also manufactures submunition weapons for the Israeli army, thus contributing to bypassing an international ban. Sales to the Israeli army represent approximately a fifth of Elbit’s income.
From: Secours Rouge