Israeli officials are furious over the UK’s decision to immediately halt some arms exports to Israel, a move that came after it said the weapons could be used in a “serious breach” of international humanitarian law in the country’s war in Gaza.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Monday the government would revoke 30 of the 350 arms export licences to Israel because of a “clear risk” that some of the weapons could be used to “commit or facilitate a serious breach of international humanitarian law” in the besieged enclave.
The revoked export licences are for equipment such as parts for military fighter jets, helicopters and drones, and other items used for ground target engagement, Lammy told British lawmakers.
He stressed that the decision was “not a determination of innocence or guilt” over whether Israel had violated international law, nor was it an arms embargo.
“We of course recognise that Israel must defend itself against security threats, but we are deeply concerned about the methods Israel is using, and about reports of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure in particular,” Lammy told Parliament.
But the move – while not a serious development, given that British exports represent less than 1 percent of the weapons Israel receives from other countries – is nevertheless a clear move to pressure Israel to end its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
British Defence Secretary John Healey stood by the decision, saying his country had a duty to tell “the hardest truths” to its “closest friends.”
However, Israeli officials were not happy with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s decision writing on the social platform X Monday that he was “deeply discouraged” when he heard about the sanctions.
And Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Tuesday called Britain’s decision “disgraceful.”
“The UK’s shameful decision will not change Israel’s determination to defeat Hamas, a genocidal terrorist organisation that brutally murdered 1,200 people, including 14 British citizens, on 7 October,” the statement said.
Netanyahu’s office also said Britain’s “misguided decision” will only embolden Hamas.
“With or without British weapons, Israel will win this war and secure our common future,” the statement said.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, meanwhile, also said the move sends “a very problematic message” to Hamas and Iran.
Both Israeli and Palestinian officials are under investigation for alleged war crimes following the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel, which are estimated to have killed more than 1,100 people.
According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 40,700 Palestinians have been killed by Israel’s brutal air and ground attacks.
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