UK Expands Arms Export Ban to Israel, Citing Gaza Concerns

The British government has significantly expanded its restrictions on defense equipment exports to Israel, nearly tripling the number of suspended or denied licenses. This move, reported by The Jewish Chronicle and cited by Israel's Channel 12 News, increases the total number of affected licenses to over 80, up from approximately 30 initially suspended in September 2024. The stricter policy, implemented under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, establishes a "double lock" on defense sales. Middle East Minister Stephen Doughty stated that the new measures enhance export controls, with decisions being made based on existing concerns about violations of international humanitarian law and the "illegality of occupation." Doughty personally reviewed each license to prevent arms from being used in Gaza.

Despite the expanded ban, components for the international F-35 fighter jet program remain largely exempt. Doughty defended this exception, citing the need to maintain UK and allied security and warning that removing British parts from the global supply could severely impact the entire F-35 program. He argued that continuing these supplies is crucial for the security of the UK and its allies.

Emily Thornberry, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, proposed an alternative approach, suggesting continued supply of F-35 components to the international program, provided they are not used on aircraft delivered to Israel. She advocated for adopting a Dutch model, where crates of components sent to the U.S. would be marked with a directive prohibiting their use on planes supplied to Israel.