Gaza war: UK sparks diplomatic row with Israel by halting some arms exports
This move drew criticism from Israel supporters, who see it as betraying an ally, and critics of Israel’s military action, who say it doesn’t go far enough
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government drew criticism from Israel and the UK’s Chief Rabbi over its decision to suspend some arms licenses due to concerns the use of British components in Gaza risks violating international humanitarian law.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Monday told the House of Commons that Britain would suspend some 30 of the UK’s 350-odd export licenses to Israel, covering components used in F-16 fighter aircraft, helicopters, drones and naval systems, as well as items that facilitate ground targeting.
He didn’t announce the duration of the suspension, saying only ministers would keep the matter under review.
“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.
The decision by the Labour government – in power for just two months – opens it up to criticism both by supporters of Israel, who say Britain is pulling support from a key ally of the West and a bastion of democracy in the Middle East – and by critics of Israel’s military action in Gaza, who say the suspension of about 10 per cent of licenses doesn’t go far enough.
