UK Suspends Some Arms Exports to Israel
The United Kingdom has suspended 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, citing concerns over the potential use of these arms in violation of international humanitarian law. This decision was announced by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who emphasized that the UK continues to support Israel’s right to self-defense.
The suspended licenses include parts for fighter planes, helicopters, and drones, but do not affect components for the F-35 fighter aircraft, which are used by multiple countries and thus difficult to track for specific allocation to Israeli aircraft.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized the move, calling it “shameful” and asserting that it will not deter Israel from its actions against Hamas. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have also expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the suspension is too limited and filled with loopholes.
