Britain will immediately suspend 30 of its 350 arms export licences with Israel because there was a risk such equipment might be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law, foreign minister David Lammy said on Monday.
The decision did not amount to a blanket ban or an arms embargo, but only involved those that could be used in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza, he clarified.
British exports amount to less than 1% of the total arms Israel receives.
The UK will impose a partial ban on export licences to Israel, the foreign secretary has announced.
Sky’s International Affairs editor @DominicWaghorn provides analysis of the decision.
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“We recognise, of course, Israel’s need to defend itself against security threats, but we are deeply worried by the methods that Israel’s employed, and by reports of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure particularly,” Lammy told parliament.
“It is with regret that I inform the House (of Commons, lower house of parliament) today the assessment I have received leaves me unable to conclude anything other than that for certain UK arms exports to Israel, there does exist a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law,” he said.
Among the items included under the arms export suspension will be components for military aircraft including fighter jets, helicopters and drones.
But, parts for F-35 fighters will be exempted, except where going directly to Israel, as the government said it was not possible to suspend these without prejudicing the jets’ entire global programme.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said the decision was disappointing and “sends a very problematic message” to Islamist militant group Hamas and its patrons in Iran.
Tal Shoham has been held by Hamas for almost a year. His 9-year-old son, Naveh, is still traumatised from his 50 days in captivity and the brutal murder and rape of those he knew on October 7th.
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Despite winning a landslide victory in July, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s party did suffer significant setbacks in areas with large Muslim populations and he has been under pressure from some of his lawmakers to take a firmer line with Israel over the conflict.
Earlier this month, the United States approved the sale of $20 billion in fighter jets and other military equipment to Israel.
(REUTERS)
