UK government data shows arms exports to Israel plunged at start of Gaza war

Britain’s approval of arms export licenses to Israel dropped sharply after the start of the war against Hamas in Gaza, with the value of permits granted for the sale of military equipment to its ally falling by more than 95% to a 13-year low.

The figures are based on information provided by UK government officials to Reuters and data from the Department for Business and Trade’s Export Control unit.

The United States and Germany increased arms sales to Israel after the start of the war.

However, the value of British-approved licenses between October 7 and December 31 last year dropped to 859,381 pounds ($1.09 million), government officials tell Reuters. That is the lowest figure for the period between October 7 and December 31 since 2010.