UK Suspends 30 Arms Export Licenses to Israel Over Gaza Risks

The targeted items include components for fighter aircraft, helicopters, and drones, alongside technology designed for ground targeting. While the announcement represents a shift in policy under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour administration, it stops short of a comprehensive embargo. Crucially, the government has exempted components for the multinational F-35 fighter program, arguing that halting these parts within a global supply chain would disrupt operations for other nations.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the aisle. Labour MP Zarah Sultana and the Stop the War Coalition labeled the move a half-hearted gesture, demanding a total ban on all arms sales. Conversely, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed disappointment with the move. Legal advocates, including the Global Legal Action Network, viewed the suspension as a significant victory that validates concerns regarding the legality of continued supplies. The UK’s military exports to Israel totaled £42 million in 2022, a figure significantly lower than that of major suppliers like the United States and Germany, yet the move signals potential friction with Washington and may set a precedent for other allies.