UK suspends 30 of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, insists it’s not an embargo
FM Lammy cites risk military equipment might be used to commit violations of international law in Gaza; Israel says move sends ‘wrong’ message to Hamas, insists military is lawful
Britain said Monday it would immediately suspend dozens of arms export licenses with Israel because there is a risk the equipment might be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law, drawing rebuke from Israeli officials.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the decision to suspend 30 of 350 arms 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.
“The UK continues to support Israel’s right to self-defense in accordance with international law,” he added.
Soon after the Labour Party won an election in July, Lammy said he would update a review on arms sales to Israel to ensure these complied with international law.
Unlike the United States, Britain’s government does not give arms directly to Israel, but rather issues licenses for companies to sell weapons, with input from lawyers on whether they comply with international law.
The decision was formally made by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, with Lammy’s backing.
Responding to the announcement, Foreign Minister Israel Katz said Israel was “disappointed” with 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. “We expect ally nations like Britain to recognize that every day, and especially mere days after the execution of six Israeli hostages by Hamas terrorists.”
Katz added that “a step like the one taken now by Britain sends a problematic message to the Hamas terrorist organization and its handlers in Iran,” but that he hoped the relationship between Israel and the UK could remain strong in the future.
Defense Minister Gallant said in a statement that he was “deeply disheartened to learn of the sanctions placed by the UK” and that he stands by the IDF and Israel’s security agencies.
British exports amount to less than one percent of the total arms Israel receives, and Lammy told parliament 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 they 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.
Britain’s center-left Labour government has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in the Gaza war, and for the speeding up of aid deliveries into Gaza, since taking power on July 5.
It has followed the same approach to the conflict as the previous Conservative government, with Lammy and other ministers at pains to demand Hamas release the hostages seized in its October 7 massacre as part of any ceasefire.
Some commentators have suggested, however, that Labour, led by Keir Starmer — a former human rights lawyer — may take a tougher long-term stance toward Israel and how it conducts its military operations.
Last week, the UK foreign ministry said it was “deeply” concerned by an Israeli military operation in the West Bank, urging it to “exercise restraint” and adhere to international law.
Israel responded to the Hamas October attack with a military offensive aimed at destroying the terror group in Gaza and freeing the hostages. Over the weekend the IDF recovered the bodies of six hostages who were executed by Hamas as troops closed in on their location.
