Sep 2, 2024 Story by: Editor
The United Kingdom has announced the suspension of 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel due to concerns that the weapons could potentially be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law. On Monday, Foreign Secretary David Lammy informed Parliament that this partial suspension applies to arms that could be utilized in the ongoing conflict in Gaza but does not extend to parts for F-35 fighter jets.
Lammy emphasized that this suspension is not a blanket arms embargo or total ban. The UK continues to support Israel’s armed forces. Following the Labour Party’s victory in the general election in July, Lammy committed to reviewing arms sales to Israel to ensure compliance with legal standards.
“It is with regret that I inform the House [of Commons] 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.
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressed disappointment over the UK’s decision and other recent actions taken by the British government regarding defense exports. He stated that the move “sends a very problematic message” to Hamas and its Iranian supporters.
Hassan Barari, an international affairs professor at Qatar University, described the UK’s decision as “very important” since it continues to back Israel’s right to defend itself. However, he criticized the lack of direct condemnation from the British government regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, while still acknowledging that the suspension is a positive step forward. Barari emphasized that it serves as a reminder to the global community that Israel cannot continue its military operations unchecked.
British exports make up less than 1 percent of Israel’s total arms imports, and Lammy clarified that the suspension is unlikely to significantly impact Israel’s security. Components for military aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters, and drones, are among the items affected by the suspension.
Unlike the United States, the UK does not directly provide arms to Israel. Instead, it issues licenses for private companies to sell weapons, with legal oversight to ensure compliance with international law.
Samuel Perlo-Freeman of the Campaign Against Arms Trade cautiously welcomed the UK’s decision, but argued that it does not go far enough. He highlighted that while the government has finally acknowledged Israel’s non-compliance with international law, the continued supply of components for F-35 fighter jets leaves a significant gap in the UK’s measures.
Perlo-Freeman pointed out the inconsistency in the UK’s stance, referencing confirmation from the Danish NGO Danwatch that an F-35 was used by the Israeli military to drop 3,000-pound bombs on al-Mawasi, a designated “safe zone,” on July 19. He compared the UK’s selective suspension of arms to “going vegetarian except for bacon.” Source: Al Jazeera
