UK suspends 30 of its 350 arms export licences to Israel

Britain will immediately suspend 30 of its 350 arms export licences to Israel because there was a risk such equipment might be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Monday.

Lammy said the decision to suspend the licences did not amount to a blanket ban or an arms embargo, but only involved those that could be used in the war in Gaza.

He also said the suspension would not have a material impact on Israel's security, and that the UK continued to support its right to self-defence.

Among the items included under the arms export suspension are components for military aircraft including fighter jets, helicopters, and drones.

However, parts for F-35 fighters will be exempted, except where going directly to Israel, as the government said it could not suspend these without prejudicing the jets' entire global programme.

Unlike the US, Britain's government does not give arms directly to Israel. Instead, it issues licences for companies to sell weapons, with input from lawyers on whether they complied with international law. In addition, UK exports only account for less than 1% of Israel's total arms imports.