Britain cancels arms export licenses to Israel

 

London: Britain suspends arms export licenses to Israel. 30 out of 350 licenses were suspended. Foreign Minister David Lammy said the move was prompted by concerns that Israel was violating international human rights law.

David Lammy clarified that this action is not an arms embargo. The UK Foreign Minister said that the action was taken in the context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Lammi said he recognizes that Israel needs to defend itself for security. But the UK Foreign Secretary told Parliament that he was concerned by reports of Israeli methods and the danger to civilian lives. Shortly after Labor's election victory in July, the Foreign Secretary said it would ensure arms sales to Britain's ally Israel complied with international law.

The minister said that Britain's arms exports were less than one percent of the total arms received by Israel and therefore did not affect Israel's security, adding that Britain would continue to support Israel's right to self-defense. Israeli Foreign Minister Katz responded that the decision was disappointing and sent a 'very troubling message' to Hamas and its patrons in Iran.