Full Breakdown
German Court Hears Case Against Palestine Action Members Over Elbit Systems Office Damage
4/28/2026, 9:49:33 AM
Stuttgart Hearing Over Ulm Office Damage
On Monday, a Stuttgart court heard five defendants, aged 25-40, charged with criminal damage and violent disorder for smashing equipment, measuring devices and windows at an Elbit Systems office in Ulm. Prosecutors estimate €1 million in damage. The accused are Irish, British, Spanish and German nationals.
Background: Gaza War and Prior Elbit Attacks
The case occurs amid the Gaza conflict that began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack. Palestine Action targeted Elbit, including an August 2024 raid on an Elbit factory in the UK that caused £1 million in damage. Britain proscribed the group in July 2025 after infiltrating a Royal Air Force base and vandalizing fighter jets.
Key Figures & Groups
Palestine Action Germany, an activist network, claims responsibility for the Ulm intrusion. The five unnamed defendants are represented by lawyer Benjamin Düsberg. Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense-electronics firm, operates the damaged office but has not responded to comment requests.
Timeline of Relevant Events
- 7 Oct 2023 – Hamas attacks Israel, sparking Gaza war.
- Aug 2024 – Palestine Action raids Elbit UK factory; £1 million damage.
- Jul 2025 – Britain bans Palestine Action after RAF base infiltration.
- Monday – Stuttgart hearing on Ulm damage.
- Through July 2025 – Over a dozen related hearings scheduled.
Charges and Damage Estimates
The defendants face charges of criminal damage and violent disorder. Prosecutors allege they trespassed, shouted pro-Palestinian slogans and destroyed office property, causing an estimated €1 million loss.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutors presented the vandalism as a premeditated act targeting a defense firm. The court noted that Elbit was not formally identified as the attack’s target, though it has been the focus of Palestine Action actions. Elbit Systems declined comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Police, lawmakers and Jewish communal groups have criticized initial verdict on the UK raid, labeling the tactics unlawful. Hundreds of arrests followed UK protests supporting Palestine Action, and attacks on Israeli and Jewish sites have risen globally since the Gaza war began.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The court’s filing does not label Elbit as the intended target, whereas the defense asserts the office was deliberately chosen. Additionally, the defendants’ identities remain undisclosed in public records, and Elbit’s lack of comment leaves the company’s perspective absent.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We intend to use the proceedings to essentially turn the tables,” — Benjamin Düsberg, Defense Lawyer
- “We want to show that it’s not our clients who should be on the hook, but rather the Elbit bosses, who continued delivering weapons even during the genocide.” — Benjamin Düsberg, Defense Lawyer
- “reasonable.” — Unnamed participant, UK raid defendant
- “The initial verdict on the raid drew criticism from police, lawmakers, and Jewish communal groups.” — Times of Israel
Implications and Next Steps
The Ulm case underscores a surge in activist attacks on Israeli defense entities. With additional hearings slated through July, judicial outcomes may shape future legal approaches to property damage and influence policy responses in Germany and beyond.
