Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the UK’s decision to suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licenses, calling it “shameful” and accusing Britain of emboldening Hamas. Despite UK Defence Secretary John Healey’s reassurances that the UK’s support for Israel remains strong, the move has drawn criticism, particularly given the timing, which coincided with funerals for hostages killed by Hamas.
The UK’s decision to suspend arms sales was driven by legal concerns over potential violations of international law in Gaza, though Amnesty International UK criticized the measures as insufficient. The UK’s arms exports to Israel make up a small percentage of Israel’s defense imports, with the US being Israel’s primary arms supplier. Despite the suspension, key components, such as those for F35 jets, were deliberately excluded due to their widespread use by other countries.
Netanyahu’s response on social media underscored Israel’s determination to continue its military campaign in Gaza with or without British arms, while UK officials, including former shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry, acknowledged the unfortunate timing but emphasized the need to follow legal advice. The decision has sparked debate within the Labour Party and calls from some MPs for a complete halt to arms sales to Israel.
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