The United Kingdom, in a shift to its policy towards Israel amidst the ongoing war in Gaza, has decided to suspend the supply of some weapons to the Middle Eastern country. According to UK foreign secretary David Lammy, the decision to impose partial suspension on weapon export was made after the newly elected Keir Starmer's Labour government found a "clear risk" of the weapons being used for "serious violation of international law."
Lammy communicated to lawmakers that the UK will be suspending 30 of the 350 export licenses for weapons and equipment "that we assess is for use in the current conflict in Gaza." It will include military planes, helicopters and drones, along with items used for ground targeting, Lammy said.
The decision wasn't an arms embargo, Lammy explained, adding that it was also not a "a determination of innocence or guilt" about whether Israel had broken international law.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that he was 'disheartened' by the 'sanctions' placed by the UK – a long-time ally of Israel. "Deeply disheartened to learn of the sanctions placed by the U.K. Government on export licenses to Israel's defense establishment," Gallant wrote in a post on X.
What Would The Sanction Mean?
The United Kingdom, along with several other Israel's longstanding allies, is under growing pressure to halt weapons exports to Israel, as the conflict reaches almost a year since it began on October 7. The Hamas-run health ministry claims that more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed.
British firms sell relatively fewer weapons and equipment to Israel compared to major suppliers like the US and Germany. In 2022, the government reported that military exports to Israel totaled 42 million pounds ($53 million).
The military affairs correspondent for Israel’s Channel 13 TV suggested that this move could become more significant if other allies follow the UK's lead. The UK’s center-left Labour government, led by Starmer and elected in July, has faced internal pressure to increase its stance against Israeli actions.
(With inputs from the Associated Press)