Israeli officials ‘deeply disheartened’ by UK arms license suspensions

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says he is “deeply disheartened,” after British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that the United Kingdom would suspend 30 of 350 licenses for arms sales to Israel, over concerns the military equipment could be used to break international law in Gaza.

“This comes at a time when we fight a war on seven different fronts — a war that was launched by a savage terrorist organization, unprovoked. At a time when we mourn six hostages who were executed in cold blood by Hamas inside tunnels in Gaza. At a time when we fight to bring 101 hostages home,” Gallant says in a statement on X.

“I stand by our troops and security agencies working with immense courage, professionalism, and moral values. We remain committed to defending the State of Israel and her people.”

The export licenses pertain to components for Israel’s aerial systems, including fighter jets, helicopters, and drones.

Also responding to the license suspensions, Foreign Minister Israel Katz says Israel is “disappointed by a series of decisions” made by the British government, including the decision regarding defense exports.

Katz says the move “sends a very problematic message” to Hamas and its patrons in Iran.