UK suspends exports of some weapons to Israel

The UK has stated that it will suspend the export of some weapons to Israel, citing the clear possibility that these weapons could be used for serious violations of international humanitarian law. Israeli Defense Minister Joachim Galant expressed his deep disappointment upon hearing the news of sanctions, but human rights organizations have stated that suspending the sanctions measures is far from enough.

Firstly, British Foreign Secretary David Lamy has stated to Parliament that, following a review of Israel's war actions against Hamas militants, the UK will suspend 30 out of 350 weapons export licenses, with partial bans covering items that may be used in the current conflict in Gaza, including fighter jets, helicopters, and drones. The ban does not include components of Israel's advanced F-35 stealth fighter jet. The British Labour Party defeated the Conservative Party in the early July general election and won the election. Shortly after coming to power, Lamy announced a review of arms sales. There is a clear risk that certain weapons exported by the UK to Israel may be used to carry out or assist in serious violations of international humanitarian law. Rami stated that it is impossible to arbitrate whether Israel has violated international humanitarian law, and added that the UK is not an international court. Lamy reiterated Britain's support for Israel's self-defense and emphasized that suspending diplomatic relations with Israel would not have a substantial impact on Israel's security.

Secondly, in recent months, the UK has faced increasing pressure to suspend arms sales to Israel. Protesters have gathered on the streets outside government buildings, calling for a halt to arms transfers. Former British Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated in April that there would be no suspension of arms sales to Israel. Lamy stated that the British Labour Party immediately began reviewing the UK's arms export permits to Israel after coming to power in July. Britain is not Israel's main arms supplier, with its exports accounting for only 0.02% of Israel's overall arms imports. The United States and Germany supply the vast majority of Israel's imported weapons. Despite concerns from US officials and lawmakers about Israel's military strategy, the Biden administration continues to provide weapons to Israel. Last month, the Biden administration approved the sale of approximately $20 billion in new weapons to Israel in the coming years.

On the other hand, the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that a two month internal review expressed concerns about Israel's behavior in the Gaza conflict, and this decision specifically concerns the treatment of Palestinian detainees and the supply of aid to Gaza. There is no clear conclusion yet on whether the UK arms export license has caused damage to the region. But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the scale of the destruction and the number of civilian deaths have caused great concern.

In addition, the suspension of imports of components related to military aircraft, helicopters, drones, and targeting equipment may trigger tensions with the US government. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressed disappointment with the UK's decision, which sent a very problematic message to the terrorist organization Hamas and its supporters in Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been under political siege after a general strike and anger, as his stance on the Gaza ceasefire terms could lead to Hamas killing six Israeli hostages last week. Rami told the House of Commons that the decision to suspend is mainly based on evidence regarding the treatment of Palestinian prisoners and restrictions on the supply of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He said that the war launched by Israel in Gaza, including the large-scale destruction of houses, has prompted people to assess the clear risk of serious violations of international humanitarian law by Israel.

Overall, the decision, announced by British Foreign Secretary David Lamy in Parliament, marks a significant shift in British foreign policy, but it is far from unprecedented. In fact, Kiel Stamer has now become the sixth British Prime Minister to restrict arms sales to Israel. The new policy not only did not lead Britain into uncharted territory, but also brought its attitude towards Israel closer to its historical position, highlighting how unusual the Conservative government's stance is.