UK Halts Over 80 Export Licenses to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

The British government has suspended or refused more than 80 export licenses for materials that could be used by the Israeli military in Gaza. This figure is nearly triple the number announced in September 2024, when around 30 licenses were suspended and over 50 new applications were rejected. The government continues to approve licenses that meet its strategic criteria while keeping all applications under review, according to the Jewish Chronicle.

British Middle East Minister, Stephen Doughty, stated that additional measures implemented on September 8, following the Labour government's sanctions related to the West Bank and its declaration of the occupation as illegal, have tightened export restrictions to Israel. He explained that the new decisions create a "dual-lock" on arms exports, requiring consideration not only of existing conditions regarding violations of international humanitarian law but also of the illegality of the occupation.

Doughty personally reviewed each license to ensure approved exports are not used in weapons deployed in Gaza. He cautioned against misinformation, noting that some licenses were for essential items like cystic fibrosis medication and protective gear for journalists and NGO workers. He believes Britain can take further steps to restrict exports to Israel.

When the initial suspensions were announced in September 2024, then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated they covered about 30 of 350 British arms export licenses to Israel. Components for the international F-35 fighter jet program received near-total exemption, drawing criticism from anti-Israel activists.

Doughty defended the continued supply of British-made F-35 components, deeming them vital for British and allied security, though direct F-35 exports to Israel have ceased. He noted that components go into a global stock, and their removal could have severe consequences for the entire program. However, he acknowledged that the UK could follow the Dutch model, which marks components shipped to the U.S. with instructions prohibiting their use in aircraft sent to Israel, a political decision he supports.