British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced that the UK will suspend certain arms sales licenses to Israel but emphasized that this action does not amount to an arms embargo.
The decision involves suspending 30 out of approximately 350 licenses granted for arms sales to Israel, Lammy stated. These licenses are related to components for Israel’s aerial systems, such as fighter jets, helicopters, and drones. However, it does not affect the F-35 program, a multinational project that distributes parts to participating countries, including Israel.
In a statement to the House of Commons, Lammy explained that the suspension follows a review of UK arms export licenses, which identified a “clear risk” that some exports might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law.
“This is not a blanket ban. This is not an arms embargo,” Lammy clarified. The review was initiated by the Labour government after taking office in July, and Lammy has visited Israel twice since assuming his role.
The suspension could be lifted if future assessments show a reduced risk of violations.
