The UK government has made a significant decision by suspending 30 arms export licences to Israel, citing a “clear risk” of their use in violating international humanitarian law. This move, announced after a two-month internal review, highlights concerns over Israel’s handling of the conflict in Gaza, particularly in relation to the treatment of Palestinian detainees and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The review, conducted by the Foreign Office, did not reach a definitive conclusion on whether UK arms contributed directly to the destruction in Gaza. However, the devastation and high civilian death toll raised serious concerns, prompting the suspension of specific arms export licences.
The suspended licences cover components for military aircraft, drones, helicopters, and targeting equipment. However, one key exemption is components for the F-35 fighter jet programme. As the UK does not hold unilateral control over these parts, they are excluded from the suspension unless directly supplied to Israel.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the suspension applies to 30 of the existing 350 arms export licences. He stressed that this action does not amount to a full arms embargo and is more limited in scope than similar measures imposed by previous governments, such as Margaret Thatcher’s suspension in 1982.
Lammy clarified that this decision was made with regret, rather than anger, recognising the sensitivities involved, particularly with Israel and the United States. Despite this, the Israeli defence minister, Yoav Gallant, expressed his disappointment, noting that the decision comes as Israel faces multiple conflicts and mourns the loss of hostages at the hands of Hamas.
Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, criticised the UK’s move, suggesting it sends a troubling message to Hamas and its allies. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing mounting pressure domestically over his approach to the ceasefire and recent hostage killings.
In his statement to the House of Commons, Lammy highlighted concerns about the treatment of Palestinian detainees and restrictions on humanitarian aid. He pointed out that Israel’s wide-scale destruction in Gaza raised the risk of serious breaches of international humanitarian law. Lammy emphasised that the decision was forward-looking, intended to prevent future violations rather than to pass judgement on Israel’s past actions.
The Foreign Office’s legal advice indicated that Israel could have done more to facilitate humanitarian aid and improve security measures for its delivery. The treatment of Palestinian detainees also raised concerns, with allegations of mistreatment under international humanitarian law.
Despite these measures, Lammy sought to reassure Parliament that the UK remains committed to maintaining strong relations with Israel. The suspension of arms licences, while significant, does not represent a complete severance of military support.
This decision marks a divergence from the US approach, with the Biden administration continuing to provide arms to Israel. The UK’s move may also cause tensions within the Labour Party and with allies across Europe, where only a few countries, such as Belgium and Spain, have implemented arms embargoes on Israel.
With growing domestic legal challenges, the UK government will continue to navigate the complexities of arms export policies, balancing humanitarian concerns with international relations.
