Britain delays decision on arms exports to Israel amid Gaza conflict
An Israeli army soldier adjusts the tip to a 155mm artillery shell near a self-propelled howitzer deployed at a position near the border with Lebanon in the upper Galilee region of northern Israel on October 18, 2023. (AFP Photo)
Britain is set to make a decision later this summer regarding the ban on arms sales to Israel, following a comprehensive review of evidence related to potential war crimes in Gaza.
Lammy under pressure for total ban
David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, is facing intense pressure from Labour backbenchers to impose a total ban on arms exports.
Initial speculation suggested a decision might come this week, but the process has been extended.
U.K. Ministers aim to suspend export licenses for specific weapons that can be directly linked to suspected war crimes.
These investigations are expected to take several weeks, delaying the final decision.
Diplomatic strains in UK-Israel relations
The controversy over arms sales is among several issues straining the U.K.-Israel relationship since Labour’s rise to power. Richard Hermer KC, the Attorney-General, recently visited Israel to explain the U.K.’s stance on the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.
Hermer, a human rights barrister and a surprise appointment to Keir Starmer’s cabinet, has previously criticized Israel’s occupation of the West Bank.
He describes it as “unlawful” and “deeply damaging” to Israel’s interests.
Hermer has personal ties to the Israel Defense Forces through his family.
Examination of British weapons in Gaza
British officials are currently reviewing the use of British-manufactured weapons in Gaza to determine if any export licenses should be revoked.
The wider issue of West Bank occupation is not part of this review.
The war in Gaza has resulted in over 39,000 deaths, according to the allegedly running Hamas Gaza Health Ministry.
British arms exports to Israel amounted to $23.3 million in 2023. Despite the relatively modest figure, there is concern about jeopardizing the U.K.’s role in the F-35 fighter jet program.
Britain’s involvement in the F-35 program is crucial for protecting jobs in the arms industry.
British manufacturers contribute 15% of each plane.
Ending sales of these jets, used by both the RAF and the Israeli Air Force, could complicate the U.K.’s procurement of additional F-35s and strain relations with the U.S.
