UK Foreign Minister David Lammy affirmed that the UK remains supportive of Israel’s right to self-defense, as long as it is in line with international law.
The United Kingdom has announced it will suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, citing concerns that these licenses pose a “clear risk” of contributing to serious breaches of international humanitarian law.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy informed Parliament on Monday that this partial suspension specifically targets items that could be used in the ongoing conflict in Gaza against Hamas. However, the ban does not affect licenses for components related to the F-35 fighter jets.
Lammy emphasized that while the UK is imposing this restriction, it continues to uphold Israel’s right to self-defense, provided that such actions comply with international law. The decision reflects the UK’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that its arms exports do not exacerbate humanitarian crises.
The suspension marks a significant policy shift, highlighting the UK’s concern over the potential misuse of its military equipment. It is part of a broader effort to align arms export practices with international humanitarian standards.
Despite the suspension, the UK’s support for Israel’s security needs remains firm, underlining a nuanced approach to balancing international legal obligations with national security interests.
The move has been closely watched as part of the broader international response to the conflict in Gaza, with various countries reassessing their arms export policies in light of humanitarian considerations.
