UK Announces Partial Suspension of Arms Exports to Israel
- Publish date: Monday، 02 September 2024
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The United Kingdom announced on Monday, Sep. 2 that it will suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel.
The country has cited a "clear risk" that these arms could be used to breach international humanitarian law.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy told the parliament on Monday that the partial ban includes items that could be used during the current conflict in Gaza against Hamas, including fighter jets, helicopters, and drones, however, Lammy did not mention the parts for F-35 fighter jets.
Lammy also said that the partial suspension did not amount to a blanket ban or an arms embargo because the UK continues to support Israel's right to self-defense.
In response to Lammy, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that his country was "disappointed by a series of decisions” made by the UK including the decision regarding arms exports.
British arms exports amount to less than one percent of the total arms that Israel receives.
Although, the UK does not directly supply Israel with arms, they provide the country with licenses or companies to sell weapons with guidance from lawyers on whether these arms comply with international law.
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