LONDON: The UK’s new government will delay a decision on banning arms exports to Israel until later this summer, The Times reported on Tuesday.
Following Labour’s victory in the UK general election earlier this month, the new Foreign Secretary David Lammy has initiated an immediate review into allegations of war crimes committed by Israel in its Gaza conflict. Despite speculation that a ban could be announced this week, The Times reports that the government requires additional time to evaluate the specific weaponry linked to these allegations.
Last week, UK Attorney General Richard Hermer KC visited Israel after the government reversed its predecessor’s objections to an International Criminal Court (ICC) request for an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Hermer’s visit to Tel Aviv was intended to clarify the Labour government’s position. Previously, Hermer had criticized Israel’s “unlawful” occupation of Palestinian territories in the West Bank, calling it “deeply damaging” and contrary to the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world).
Hermer was among several leading Jewish lawyers in the UK who urged Israel to exercise restraint following the October 7 attack by Hamas. Philippe Sands KC, another prominent lawyer and representative of Palestinians at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), has recently argued that the UK should halt arms sales to Israel, referencing an ICJ opinion that calls for an end to the West Bank occupation.
Currently, the UK government is not considering the West Bank in its review of arms export licenses. Last year, the UK exported arms worth £18.2 million ($23.4 million) to Israel, including components for the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet program, which Britain helps manufacture. Banning these parts would present significant diplomatic and commercial challenges with both Tel Aviv and Washington.
The F-35 has reportedly been used by Israel in its Gaza operations, which have resulted in over 39,000 casualties, according to local sources.
