UK Partially Suspends Arms Sales to Israel Citing International Law Concerns, Foreign Secretary Lammy Asserts Not an Embargo

UK to halt certain weapons sales to Israel, says foreign secretary

Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that while this is not a full arms embargo, there is a "clear risk" that some British-made arms might be used in ways that breach international law.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024, 7:

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The United Kingdom is set to halt certain weapon sales to Israel, as declared by Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

Mr. Lammy stated that the decision was made after a reassessment of the UK's arms export licenses, which revealed a distinct possibility that the weapons could be employed in a severe breach of international humanitarian law.

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Mr. Lammy announced that approximately 30 out of 350 licenses would be suspended, emphasizing that "this does not constitute a comprehensive prohibition or an arms embargo."

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressed concern that the decision conveys a troubling signal to Hamas and its supporter, Iran.

Mr. Lammy stated that it is the government's legal obligation to reassess the UK's export licenses in light of the conflict in Gaza.

Addressing the Commons, he stated: "I regret to inform the House that the evaluation I have received compels me to determine that there is a definite risk that some UK arms exports to Israel could be used to commit or assist in committing a significant breach of international humanitarian law."

The ban will encompass parts used in military aircraft operating in Gaza, such as helicopters and drones, and will also cover equipment that aids in ground targeting.

Nonetheless, the exclusion of components for the multinational F-35 fighter jets has raised concerns among opposition members of parliament and human rights organizations.

The authorities stated that this action would greatly impact the worldwide F-35 fleet and have severe consequences for international peace and security.

The UK itself does not provide weapons to Israel directly; however, it does issue export licenses that allow British firms to sell military equipment to the nation.

At the beginning of the year, while the former Conservative administration was in power, government officials responsible for managing weapons exports to Israel were instructed to halt their activities right away due to concerns about potential involvement in war crimes.

'Does not establish innocence or guilt'

Mr. Lammy informed the Commons that following his previous objections as a member of the opposition, he initiated a review as soon as he assumed office and "promised to disclose the findings of the review."

He stated that the result does not imply Israel has violated humanitarian law, as the UK government "has not and cannot" make a determination on that matter.

"He emphasized that this assessment is focused on future projections, rather than establishing innocence or guilt, and it should not be seen as influencing any forthcoming judgments by the appropriate legal authorities," he stated.

He further noted that the decision remains subject to evaluation and emphasized that "the UK persists in backing Israel's right to self-defense, as long as it aligns with international law."

"Crucial inquiries remain unresolved"

The declaration elicited varied responses from members of the legislature, with some advocating for a more extensive prohibition and others opposing the idea of any ban whatsoever.

Green Party MP Ellie Chowns described the suspension as a "positive and important move," yet pointed out that it fails to address key issues, notably why numerous licenses remain exempt.

She stated that there is "absolutely no reason" to keep approving licenses for F-35 fighter jets.

"She emphasized the persistent and evident danger, calling on the foreign secretary to reconsider and halt these licenses," she stated.

The Liberal Democrats have expressed their intention to closely examine the export licenses that the government has not yet revoked, voicing concerns that these decisions are based only on the potential use in Gaza, without considering the West Bank.

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"Choice we might rue"

At the opposite side of the political debate, Sammy Wilson of the DUP expressed that the sole group pleased with this resolution "will be the Hamas terrorists."

"It's a poor choice. I think we'll eventually regret this decision, which I fear has been made under the pressure Labour MPs are facing in their constituencies due to pro-Gaza demonstrations," he continued.

The conflict began on October 7 when the Palestinian militant organization Hamas launched an assault on Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and the capture of approximately 250 hostages, as per Israeli reports.

According to a statement released on Saturday by the health ministry controlled by Hamas in Gaza, Israel's recent military actions in the region have resulted in the deaths of at least 40,691 Palestinians and injuries to 94,060 others.

On Monday, US President Joe Biden announced that negotiations for a hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas are nearing completion. However, he expressed concerns that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not taken sufficient steps to finalize the deal.

The situation intensifies the strain on Israel's Prime Minister, who dealt with a nationwide strike on Monday due to unsuccessful negotiations for a hostage release and experienced large-scale protests over the weekend following the death of six hostages in Gaza.

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