The UK government has paused some of its arms sales to Israel, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy explaining that Israel’s actions in Gaza have caused “widespread destruction.” BBC reports that 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel are now suspended.
This move comes because the UK sees a “clear risk” that this military equipment could be used in ways that break international laws. However, the UK still supports Israel’s right to defend itself, so this is not a complete arms ban, BBC explains.
The equipment affected includes parts for fighter jets, helicopters, and drones, according to BBC. Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed his disappointment with the decision, and Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned that it sends a “problematic message” to Hamas and Iran. Katz also stated that Israel follows international laws, BBC reports.
Western countries, including the UK, have been under growing pressure to stop selling arms to Israel due to concerns about how the country is handling the conflict with Hamas, BBC notes.
Although the UK’s arms sales to Israel are relatively small—just 1% of Israel’s defense imports—the decision is still politically significant. The U.S. remains Israel’s largest arms supplier, accounting for most of its arms imports, BBC adds.
BBC explains that this decision is part of a broader shift under the new Labour government, which has already made other changes to UK policy on Israel.
Some MPs feel the suspension doesn’t go far enough, while others believe it’s just a political move to satisfy Labour’s base without fully cutting ties with Israel.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd05pk95j2xo