UK Halts Over 80 Military Export Licenses to Israel

The British government has suspended or denied more than 80 export licenses to Israel intended for the IDF's use in Gaza, according to a report Tuesday in the British newspaper Jewish Chronicle. Middle East Minister for the UK, Stephen Doughty, stated that "We have suspended or denied over 80 licenses to date. The new decisions we have made since September 8 mean there is effectively a double lock on arms exports."

This announcement follows a previous suspension of 30 export licenses in September 2024, due to concerns that components could be used for "serious violations of international law." The current report indicates that this number has nearly tripled over the past two years.

Doughty explained the decision, noting that export license approvals must now consider existing conditions regarding violations of international humanitarian law, and additionally, "the illegality of the occupation." He described this as a "very significant step forward."

Separately, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband received a standing ovation at the Labour Party conference for his strong criticism of Israel, alleging war crimes by the IDF and the Israeli government in Gaza. Miliband also denounced settlements in the West Bank, vowing to ban imports from illegal settlements and cut off British funding, construction, and services for them.