Britain will immediately suspend 30 of its 350 arms export licenses with Israel because there was a risk such equipment might be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law, foreign minister David Lammy said on Monday.
Lammy said the decision to suspend the licenses did not amount to a blanket ban or an arms embargo, but only involved those that could be used in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza.
“We recognize, of course, Israel’s need to defend itself against security threats, but we are deeply worried by the methods that Israel’s employed, and by reports of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure particularly,” Lammy told parliament. Lammy said he would update a review on arms sales to Britain’s ally Israel to ensure these complied with international law, adding “it is with regret that I inform the House 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 that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law”.
A significant decline in exports followed the start of the Gaza conflict, with official government data showing the value of permits granted for military equipment fell by over 95% to a 13-year low.
A foreign minister Israel Katz response came quickly, describing Britain’s decision as disappointing, citing “a very problematic message” to Islamist militant group Hamas and its patrons in Iran. Palestinian leader Mohammad Abbas called on UK companies to halt sales as Israeli military operations killed dozens and injured hundreds of more over the past two years.
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