UK Suspends Some Arms Sales to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict Concerns

The UK government has announced the suspension of some arms sales to Israel, citing a “clear risk” that the equipment could be used to commit serious violations of international law, BBC reports.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that the UK would be suspending 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, affecting equipment such as parts for fighter jets, helicopters, and drones.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions. While an Israeli minister, speaking to the BBC, expressed disappointment and argued that the move sends the “wrong message,” human rights group Amnesty International UK criticized the suspension as “too limited.”

Lammy stressed that the UK continues to support Israel’s right to defend itself and that the suspension does not constitute an arms embargo. He explained that the decision was made following a review of British arms exports to Israel, which was initiated after the Labour government took office in July.

The review, according to Lammy, did not and “could not arbitrate on whether or not Israel has breached international humanitarian law,” but the government has a legal duty to review all export licenses.

 “The assessment I have received leaves me unable to conclude anything other than that for certain UK arms exports to Israel, there does exist a clear risk they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation on international humanitarian law,” Lammy said.

The suspension covers items that “could be used in the current conflict in Gaza,” but does not include parts for the F35 fighter jets used by Israel, as these are manufactured as part of a global program.

The government cited Israel’s approach to Gaza aid and treatment of detainees as key factors in its decision. However, the statement did not explain how the suspended licenses would affect these concerns.

The decision comes as Western governments face growing pressure to halt arms sales to Israel over its conduct in the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

While the UK’s arms sales to Israel are relatively small, representing only 1% of Israel’s defense imports, the suspension is significant politically.