The United Kingdom has suspended 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel, citing potential risks of violations of international humanitarian law. Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the suspension in parliament, emphasizing that the decision does not amount to a blanket ban or an arms embargo. Instead, it targets specific exports, including components for military aircraft such as fighter jets, helicopters, and drones, which could be used in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Lammy explained that the decision followed a thorough review of arms sales to Israel after the Labour Party’s recent electoral win. “There exists a clear risk that certain UK arms exports to Israel might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law,” he stated. Despite the suspension, Lammy reassured that the UK remains committed to Israel’s right to self-defense, provided it aligns with international law.
Context of the Suspension and Historical Precedents
The move comes amid heightened scrutiny over the UK’s role in arms exports during the Gaza conflict. Since October 7, when the conflict began, the UK issued 108 new arms export licenses to Israel, while over 300 remain active. The suspended licenses represent around one-tenth of the total licenses, with specific exclusions for parts related to the F-35 Joint Fighter Strike program unless uniquely destined for use by Israel.
Read More: Inflation in Pakistan Drops to Single Digits for First Time in Three Years
The Labour government’s decision follows a two-month review by the Foreign Office, the Department for Business and Trade, and the attorney general. This review highlighted concerns over Israel’s conduct in Gaza, particularly regarding Palestinian detainees and the distribution of aid. Though no definitive evidence was found linking UK arms directly to destruction in Gaza, the scale of civilian casualties and damage raised significant alarms.
Balancing Domestic and International Relations
Domestically, the decision could preempt a potential backlash at the Labour Party’s annual conference and respond to growing legal challenges. Internationally, it may create tension with the United States, which maintains that there is no legal basis for halting arms sales to Israel. The UK government, however, has emphasized that this action is consistent with past suspensions under various administrations, including those led by Margaret Thatcher, Gordon Brown, and the coalition government in 2014.
Despite the suspension, officials are keen to highlight that the UK’s commitment to Israel’s security remains unwavering. Previous attempts by the UK government to gain access to Palestinian detainees through diplomatic channels, including negotiations with the Israeli government and the International Committee of the Red Cross, have so far been unsuccessful. The current suspension reflects a continuation of the UK’s legal and ethical stance on arms exports amid international conflict.