Netanyahu says ‘shameful’ suspension of UK arms licenses will embolden Hamas
After foreign secretary announces decision to suspend 30 of 350 permits, insisting it is not an embargo, PM vows Israel will prevail in Gaza war ‘with or without British arms’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday blasted the British government for its decision to suspend some arms licenses to Israel, calling it a “shameful” move that will not deter Israel and will embolden Hamas.
“This shameful decision will not change Israel’s determination to defeat Hamas, a genocidal terrorist organization that savagely murdered 1,200 people on October 7, including 14 British citizens,” the premier wrote on X.
“Instead of standing with Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas,” the post read.
Announcing the move on Monday, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the decision to suspend 30 of 350 licenses did not amount to a blanket ban or an arms embargo, but only involved items with concerns over their use during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
“It is with regret that I inform the House (of Commons, the lower house of parliament) 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 his post, Netanyahu stressed that Israel was conducting a “just war with just means, taking unprecedented measures to keep civilians out of harm’s way and comporting fully with international law.”
This shameful decision will not change Israel's determination to defeat Hamas, a genocidal terrorist organization that savagely murdered 1200 people on October 7, including 14 British citizens.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 3, 2024
The prime minister also compared Israel’s battle against Hamas, sparked by the terror group’s October 7 massacre, to Britain’s fight against the Nazis in World War II.
“With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future,” he vowed.
Netanyahu’s post followed similar reactions from Israeli officials on Monday, with Foreign Minister Israel Katz saying Israel was “disappointed” by recent decisions made by the UK government relating to the war in Gaza.
“Israel is a state of law that operates in accordance with international law and has an independent and respected judicial system,” Katz said in a statement, adding, “A step like the one taken now by Britain sends a problematic message to the Hamas terrorist organization and its handlers in Iran.”
British exports amount to less than one percent of the total arms Israel receives, and Lammy told parliament on Monday that the suspension would not have a material impact on Israel’s security.
The export licenses pertain to components for Israel’s aerial systems, including fighter jets, helicopters, and drones. It does not pertain to the F-35 program, which is a multinational project that pools parts before disbursing them to participating countries, including Israel.
Lammy’s Labour party instituted a review of the licenses after it returned to power in July, and Lammy has visited Israel twice since assuming office.
British officials have not said that Israel is violating humanitarian law, but believe there is a serious risk, according to the two-month assessment.
The suspension could be lifted in the future if the UK assesses that the risk of violations has diminished.
Agencies contributed to this report.
