UK suspends 30 of its 350 arms export licences to Israel

Foreign Minister David Lammy said there is a risk equipment could be used to commit violations of international humanitarian law

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An Israeli soldier stands guard in the West Bank settlement of Karme Tsur on Saturday. Photo: AP

Published: 12:48am, 3 Sep 2024

Britain will immediately suspend 30 of its 350 arms export licences with Israel because there is a risk such equipment might be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law, foreign secretary David Lammy said on Monday.

Lammy said the decision to suspend the licences did not amount to a blanket ban or an arms embargo, but only involved those that could be used in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza.

Soon after the Labour Party won an election in July, Lammy said he would update a review on arms sales to Britain’s ally Israel to ensure these complied with international law.

UK foreign secretary David Lammy, left, shakes hands with Israel’s foreign minister Israel Katz after a meeting in Jerusalem, Israel on August 16. Photo: Bloomberg

“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,” Lammy said.

“Let me leave this House in no doubt: The UK continues to support Israel’s right to self defence in accordance with international law.”

Israel’s foreign minister Israel Katz said the UK’s decision was disappointing and sends a problematic message to Hamas and Iran.

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British exports amount to less than 1 per cent of the total arms Israel receives, and Lammy told parliament the suspension would not have a material impact on Israel’s security.