The UK government has announced the immediate suspension of approximately 30 arms export licences to Israel, specifically for items that could be used in military operations in Gaza.

This decision follows a detailed review of Israel's adherence to international humanitarian law (IHL).

The suspension impacts around 30 licences out of a total of 350 issued to Israel. These include components for military aircraft, such as fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and ground-targeting systems currently used by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza. This move comes amid concerns that these exports could potentially be used in ways that violate IHL.

Despite the suspension, the UK remains committed to supporting Israel's security and its right to self-defense in accordance with international law. The decision to suspend these licences is described as a legal obligation under the UK's stringent export control frameworks, which prohibit issuing licences if there is a clear risk of contributing to serious violations of IHL.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the assessment identified a significant risk that certain UK arms exports might be used in ways that violate IHL, necessitating the suspension. He emphasized that this decision does not alter the UK's commitment to Israel's security.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds reiterated the UK's duty to uphold its legal responsibilities, both domestically and internationally. He stressed that the decision was difficult but necessary to avoid the risk of UK exports being used in IHL violations in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Notably, the suspension does not apply to all export licences to Israel. Items that are not being used in the current conflict, such as trainer aircraft, naval equipment, and non-military goods, are excluded. Additionally, components for the multinational F-35 joint strike fighter program, vital to international security, are excluded from the suspension unless they are directly destined for Israel.

In conjunction with this decision, the UK has also imposed sanctions on three individuals within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and an associated IRGC unit. These sanctions are a response to their efforts to destabilize the Middle East by supporting and arming proxy groups in the region, such as Lebanese Hezbollah. Photo by Israel Defense Forces, Wikimedia commons.