UK Stands Firm on Limited Arms Sales Ban to Israel
The UK has defended its decision to halt certain arms exports to Israel. This move has been met with strong reactions from both sides. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labelled the decision as "shameful," claiming on social media that it would "only embolden Hamas." In contrast, Husam Zomlot, the top Palestinian envoy to the UK, praised the partial ban as an "important first step" towards fulfilling the UK's "legal obligations under domestic and international law."
Partial Suspension of Licences
On Monday, the UK suspended approximately 30 out of 350 weapons export licences to Israel. Despite this, UK Defence Secretary John Healey reassured that the UK remains a "staunch ally" of Israel, telling the BBC that Israel's security would not be compromised by the decision. Government ministers expressed concerns that the weapons could be used in Gaza in ways that might violate international law. However, Amnesty International UK criticised the measures as being "too limited."
Timing of the Announcement
The timing of the announcement has also been a point of contention, coinciding with the funerals of six hostages recently killed by Hamas. Mr Healey described the situation as "agonising," acknowledging the distressing images of the deceased but explained that the timing was dictated by the legal process and the need to report to Parliament.
Equipment Affected by the Ban
Foreign Secretary David Lammy clarified that the suspension affects equipment such as parts for fighter jets, helicopters, and drones. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Mr Healey explained that these items were chosen because they could be used in Gaza for "offensive purposes," while the "vast majority" of other exports to Israel are either unrelated to the conflict or may be used for Israel's defence.
Israel's Response and Broader Implications
UK arms sales to Israel represent only 1% of the country's defence imports, a small fraction compared to other allies. The US is the largest supplier, accounting for 69% of Israel’s major conventional arms imports between 2019 and 2023.
In response, Mr Zomlot stated that the Palestinian Mission to the UK would continue working towards a "full arms embargo." Amnesty International UK accused the government of "gesture politics," arguing that suspending less than 10% of arms export licences was insufficient. The charity's chief executive, Sacha Deshmukh, warned that the decision implied the UK might risk complicity in war crimes and possible genocide in Gaza.
Israel's Defiant Stance
On social media, Mr Netanyahu declared that "with or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future." He criticised the UK's decision as "misguided" and suggested it would only encourage Hamas.
Internal Criticism and Legal Considerations
The decision has also drawn criticism within the UK. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused the government of "abandoning Israel," while former shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry called the timing "unfortunate." Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s World Tonight programme, she speculated that the government rushed to inform Parliament after receiving legal advice, despite the coinciding funerals.
Lord Peter Ricketts, former national arms advisor, described the decision as "long overdue." He referenced an Israeli strike that killed seven aid workers, after which he had urged the UK to stop selling arms to Israel due to concerns over civilian safety.
Ongoing Conflict and Casualties
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza, launched in response to Hamas’s unprecedented attack on southern Israel on 7 October, has resulted in significant casualties. While Israel has consistently denied targeting civilians, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that more than 40,000 people have been killed since the conflict began.
