The United Kingdom has suspended some arms sales to Israel, citing a “clear risk” that the equipment might be used to commit serious breaches of international humanitarian law. The suspension affects 30 out of approximately 350 arms export licences to Israel, as announced by UK Foreign Minister David Lammy on Monday, 2 September.
## Background
The decision to suspend these specific export licences is significant as it involves equipment that could be used in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. This move marks a departure from previous stances taken by ministers from all sides of the House—Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrats—who had chosen not to license such exports to Israel. Lammy emphasised that the UK will continue to support Israel’s right to self-defence in accordance with international law.
## “We do not take this decision lightly”
In his parliamentary address, Lammy stated, “We do not take this decision lightly, but we note that on previous occasions ministers from all sides of the House—Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrats—chose not to license exports to Israel.” He assured that the UK remains committed to supporting Israel’s right to self-defence, provided it aligns with international law.
## Move came at a “very sensitive moment”
An unnamed Israeli minister expressed disappointment over the UK’s decision, describing it as sending the “wrong message.” Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli, highlighted the sensitivity of the timing, noting that Israelis were mourning six hostages killed in Hamas tunnels. UK’s chief rabbi Ephraim Mirvis also criticised the move on social media, arguing that it perpetuates the falsehood that Israel is breaching international humanitarian law.
## Sends relatively few weapons to Israel
The UK exports a relatively small amount of weapons and components to Israel, accounting for just 1 per cent of Israel’s defence imports, according to the BBC. In 2022, the UK government reported military exports to Israel amounting to £42 million (S$70.3 million). This figure is modest compared to the UK’s total military exports to the Middle East, which is one of the largest markets for UK defence exports. Since 1 January 2021, military exports to Qatar and Saudi Arabia have totalled £5 billion (S$8.6 billion), as reported by the UK-based Campaign Against Arms Trade.
## More significant politically than militarily
The BBC noted that the suspension of some arms exports to Israel holds more political than military significance. While Labour has stated that the UK’s position on Israel’s security remains unchanged, this marks the third deviation from the previous Conservative government’s approach since Labour took power in July. Shortly after taking office, Labour resumed funding for UNRWA and dropped plans to challenge the International Criminal Court’s request for an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
## Growing backlash
The decision has sparked growing backlash, including from the previous Conservative government. Former Conservative leader Boris Johnson criticised the move on X (formerly Twitter), questioning why Lammy and Labour leader Keir Starmer were “abandoning Israel.” Andrew Mitchell, the shadow foreign secretary, suggested that Labour’s memorandum appears designed to appease its backbenchers while not offending Israel, but feared it would fail on both counts.
## Labour faced challenges from pro-Palestinian candidates
In the recent UK general election, Labour’s overwhelming victory over the Conservatives was marred by losses to pro-Palestinian candidates. Some key Labour figures lost their seats, either directly to independent candidates or due to vote splitting that allowed Conservative candidates to win. Health Minister Wes Streeting narrowly retained his seat in Ilford North by 528 votes. Jonathan Ashworth, expected to join the incoming Labour cabinet, lost his seat in Leicester South to independent candidate Shockat Adam, who dedicated his victory to Gaza.
