The United Kingdom has announced a partial suspension of arms exports to Israel, citing concerns over the potential misuse of these weapons in breach of international humanitarian law.
The decision comes amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel’s military actions against Hamas have drawn international scrutiny.
In a statement to Parliament on Monday, Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel will be suspended. The decision, which Lammy described as “regrettable,” is based on an assessment indicating a “clear risk” that certain UK arms exports could be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law.
“This partial suspension covers items that could be deployed in the current conflict in Gaza,” Lammy stated. However, he clarified that the ban does not extend to components for F-35 fighter jets, a key element in Israel’s military capabilities.
Not a blanket ban
Despite the suspension, Lammy emphasized that the move does not constitute a blanket ban or an arms embargo. The UK continues to support Israel’s right to self-defence in accordance with international law, he added.
TheUK suspends arms exports to Israel over humanitarian violations. Lammy had pledged to ensure that British arms exports to Israel comply with international legal standards.
“It is with regret that I inform the House of Commons today that 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 told MPs.
Israeli response
In response to the UK’s decision, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressed disappointment. In a statement, Katz criticized the British government, saying that the decision sends a “very problematic message” to Hamas and its allies in Iran.
International reactions
Hassan Barari, a professor of international affairs at Qatar University, described the UK’s decision as “very important,” though he noted that it falls short of a full critique of Israel’s actions in Gaza. “There is a huge difference between the right to defend yourself and the genocide that Israel has been doing,” Barari said, calling the move a positive step that highlights the need for greater international intervention.
Limited impact on Israel
While the UK’s decision has garnered significant attention, its practical impact on Israel’s military capabilities is expected to be minimal. British exports constitute less than 1 percent of the total arms that Israel receives, and Lammy acknowledged that the suspension would not materially affect Israel’s security.
Among the items affected by the suspension are components for military aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters, and drones. Unlike the United States, the UK does not directly supply arms to Israel but issues licences for private companies to sell weapons, contingent on legal compliance.
