Britain decides to partially suspend arms sales to Israel

The United Kingdom suspends some of its arms sales licenses to Israel out of concern that they could be used in the Gaza Strip in violation of international law. Jerusalem is “deeply disappointed” by this decision.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to Sky News and The Times of Israel. 

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that the British government made the decision to sell weapons to Israel after checking export licenses, which revealed a “clear risk” that they could be used in violation of international law.

“When faced with a conflict like this (the war in the Gaza Strip - ed.), the government is obliged to review British export licenses. This is not a complete ban, it is not an arms embargo,” he said.

According to Lemmy, the suspension will affect about 30 out of 350 licenses.

It is noted that the UK does not directly supply weapons to Israel, but provides British companies with export licenses to sell them. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said he was “deeply disappointed” by Britain's decision to suspend the sale of some weapons to his country.

“This comes at a time when we are fighting a war on seven different fronts - a war that was provoked by a savage terrorist organization. At a time when we are mourning the six hostages who were executed in cold blood by Hamas in the tunnels in Gaza. At a time when we are fighting to bring 101 hostages home,” he emphasized.

Also, reacting to the suspension of licenses, Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that Israel is “disappointed by a number of decisions made by the British government,” including the decision to export defense products.

According to him, this step “sends a very problematic message” to Hamas and its patrons in Iran.

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 03/09/2024