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The UK government has announced the immediate suspension of 30 arms export licenses to Israel following a comprehensive two-month review. The decision, announced by Foreign Secretary David Lammy on September 2, 2024, comes amid growing concerns over the potential misuse of UK-supplied weapons in violation of international humanitarian law.
The review, conducted by the new Labour government, found a "clear risk" that British arms could be used in serious breaches of humanitarian principles, particularly concerning the treatment of Palestinian detainees and the delivery of aid to Gaza. The suspended licenses primarily cover components for military aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters, and drones.
While the move affects only about one-tenth of the 350 existing licenses, it represents a notable departure from previous policy. Lammy emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly, stating, "We do not take this decision lightly." He clarified that the suspension does not constitute a full arms embargo and excludes parts for the F-35 Joint Fighter Strike program unless specific to jets exclusively for Israeli use.
The UK's arms exports to Israel have been relatively modest, with official figures showing sales amounting to £42 million ($53 million) in 2022. However, the symbolic significance of this decision cannot be understated, as it aligns the UK with growing international pressure on Israel's allies to reconsider their military support.
This policy shift echoes similar actions taken by previous UK governments during times of conflict involving Israel. Margaret Thatcher in 1982, Gordon Brown in 2009, and the coalition government in 2014 all implemented comparable suspensions.
The Labour government's stance marks a clear contrast to its Conservative predecessor, which conducted four reviews of Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law but never published the conclusions. Lammy's approach of transparency in explaining the legal reasoning behind the decision sets a new precedent.
The suspension comes as the UK government faces mounting domestic pressure, including legal challenges and potential dissent within the Labour Party. It also signals a potential strain in relations with the Biden administration in the US, which has consistently maintained that there is no basis in international law for suspending arms exports to Israel.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with rising civilian casualties and widespread destruction, the UK's decision reflects growing global concern over the conflict's humanitarian impact. While reaffirming Britain's commitment to Israel's security, this move underscores the delicate balance between supporting allies and upholding international law.
The suspension will remain in effect pending further review, with the UK government closely monitoring developments in the region and Israel's adherence to humanitarian principles.
