UK Government Announces Partial Suspension of Arms Exports to Israel
The UK government has suspended 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, citing a “clear risk” that these arms could be used to “commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law.” Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the decision on Monday, emphasizing that this suspension is not an arms embargo or a comprehensive ban.
Lammy clarified that the suspension does not imply any judgment of “innocence or guilt” regarding Israel’s adherence to international humanitarian law. The government has also imposed new sanctions on four Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces involved in supporting Iranian proxy actions in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
In his statement to the Commons, Lammy explained that under Criteria 2C of the strategic export licensing criteria, the government will not issue export licenses if there is a clear risk of serious violations of international humanitarian law.
“I regret to inform the House that the assessment received indicates a clear risk that certain UK arms exports to Israel could facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law,” Lammy said.
The decision has sparked considerable debate. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds clarified that the suspended licenses pertain to components for fighter aircraft (F-16s), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), naval systems, and targeting equipment. “This is not a blanket ban but targets specific licenses that could be used in military operations in Gaza,” Reynolds stated.
The government remains committed to supporting Israel’s right to defense within the bounds of international humanitarian laws. Lammy noted that the decision reflects growing pressure on the previous administration and the Labour Party over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and civilian casualties.
Lammy also expressed concerns about the humanitarian impact of Israel’s actions in Gaza, urging for increased efforts to deliver essential supplies to civilians. He criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for not adequately addressing concerns raised by the UK and its allies.
The suspension has drawn criticism, including from DUP MP Sammy Wilson, who argued that it might embolden Hamas. “The only people who will be overjoyed by this decision will be the Hamas terrorists who murdered six hostages at the weekend,” Wilson stated.
This decision comes amid ongoing Middle Eastern conflict, with hundreds of thousands of Israelis protesting over the weekend following the recovery of six hostages’ bodies by the Israel Defence Force (IDF) in Gaza. The UK joins several Western nations in reviewing its arms export policies to Israel amid rising tensions and humanitarian concerns.