'Fury' as UK suspends some arms sales to Israel

Netanyahu condemns Foreign Office's 'shameful' decision to partially restrict weapons exports

An Israeli fighter jet
David Lammy announced that 30 licences, including parts for fighter planes, would be put on hold
(Image credit: Jack Guez / AFP via Getty Images)

The UK has broken with the Biden administration in Washington by limiting the sale of a raft of arms components to Israel, saying there is a "clear risk" they could be used in violation of international humanitarian law.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that 30 licences, including parts for fighter planes, helicopters and drones, would be put on hold. But he insisted the UK continued to support Israel's right to defend itself. 'This is not a blanket ban, this is not an arms embargo.”

The current plan is that new licences will be assessed on a case by case basis, and if Israel's conduct improves, suspensions could be lifted.

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Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said the UK's decision comes at a time when Israel is fighting a war "launched by a savage terrorist organisation" and mourning six hostages "executed in cold blood by Hamas". Foreign Minister Israel Katz was "furious" over the decision, telling The Telegraph that it sends a "problematic message to the terrorist organisation Hamas”.

Since the Hamas attacks on 7 October and the subsequent Israeli military operation in Gaza, Western governments have been "coming under growing pressure" to stop arms sales, said the BBC. Amnesty International UK criticised the new suspension saying it was "too limited".

Kaye O'Doherty is editorial assistant at The Week Junior and also writes travel and food content for TheWeek.com