Shafaqna India: On Monday, British Foreign Minister David Lammy announced that the UK would immediately suspend 30 of its 350 arms export licenses to Israel due to concerns that the equipment could be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law. The suspension affects only those licenses potentially relevant to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and does not constitute a blanket arms embargo.
Lammy acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense but expressed deep concern over reports of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure resulting from Israeli actions. This decision follows the Labour Party’s review of arms sales, aimed at ensuring compliance with international law.
Despite the suspension, British arms exports to Israel make up less than 1% of its total arms supply. Lammy stated that the suspension would not significantly impact Israel’s security and affirmed the UK’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressed disappointment, with Katz arguing that the decision sends a troubling message to Hamas and its supporters. Both Israeli and Palestinian leaders are under investigation for alleged war crimes following the October 7 Hamas attacks and the Israeli response in Gaza.
Lammy clarified that the suspension was not a judgment on Israel’s compliance with international law but a precautionary measure. The value of military equipment permits to Israel had already decreased significantly since the conflict began, with recent licenses largely covering non-lethal items.
The suspension includes components for military aircraft like fighter jets and drones, though parts for F-35 fighters are exempt due to their involvement in a global program. Critics, like Sam Perlo-Freeman from the Campaign Against Arms Trade, have condemned the exemption of F-35 parts as unjustifiable.
Unlike the US, which recently approved a $20 billion arms sale to Israel, the UK issues licenses to companies for weapon sales, relying on legal assessments to ensure compliance with international law.