In a shocking revelation, a recent investigation has uncovered that British companies have continued to export thousands of military goods to Israel, despite the UK government suspending major arms export licenses last September. This study, published by The Guardian, highlights a significant discrepancy between government assurances and actual trade practices, raising serious questions about compliance with international humanitarian law.
The investigation, conducted by the Palestinian Youth Movement, Progressive International, and Workers for a Free Palestine, analyzed Israeli customs data and found that since the suspension, 8,630 items categorized as munitions—including bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles, and related parts—were shipped from the UK to Israel. Additionally, four shipments totaling 146 items were classified as armored vehicles or their parts.
Since October 2023, the report indicates that 14 military shipments have reached Israel from the UK. Thirteen of these shipments arrived by air at Ben Gurion International Airport, while one, containing an astonishing 160,000 items, was delivered by sea to the port of Haifa. Most of these shipments occurred after the UK government announced the suspension, with the total value estimated at around 2.5 million shekels, or approximately $670,000.
In September 2024, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the suspension of 29 export licenses for items that could potentially be used offensively in Gaza. He noted at the time that there was a "clear risk" that British-supplied weapons could contribute to violations of international humanitarian law. "In a conflict of this nature, we have a legal obligation to assess the UK’s export licenses," Lammy stated. "Regretfully, the assessment I received left me no choice but to suspend some exports that could be used to breach international humanitarian law."
Despite this suspension, the UK government has maintained that the remaining licenses only cover non-lethal items such as protective gear, including goggles and helmets. Lammy emphasized that these items were intended for use by one of Britain’s closest allies. However, critics argue that the distinction between offensive and defensive equipment is unclear, potentially allowing continued arms transfers that contradict government assurances.
According to the report, there has been no change in the monthly volume of aircraft parts exported since the suspension in September. However, it remains unclear whether these parts are military in nature or intended for civilian use. An Israeli defense official remarked that the UK’s move was "certainly unfriendly," but claimed it had no operational impact on Israel's military capabilities.
As the investigation unfolds, the findings have prompted renewed calls for transparency and a full investigation into the UK’s arms exports to Israel. Former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell has called for Lammy's resignation if it is proven that he misled Parliament about the nature of the exports. "The government has kept its arms supplies to Israel in the dark," McDonnell said. "It must finally tell the truth in response to these deeply troubling revelations and halt all UK arms exports to Israel."
Member of Parliament Zarah Sultana described the report as "explosive" and accused the government of dishonesty. "Beyond ‘helmets and goggles,’ the government has sent thousands of weapons and ammunition while Israel commits genocide in Gaza," she asserted.
Furthermore, the report raises concerns about whether the UK has continued to send parts for F-35 jets directly to Israel, potentially violating previous assurances that such items would be sold only to the American manufacturer Lockheed Martin. UK officials have defended these exports as vital to NATO and national security, asserting that they would not harm Israel’s ability to defend itself.
The investigation sheds light on a troubling reality where the UK’s arms export policies may not align with its stated commitments to uphold international humanitarian law. As the situation develops, the need for accountability and transparency in arms exports remains paramount.
In summary, the ongoing trade of military goods from the UK to Israel, despite the suspension of arms export licenses, has sparked significant controversy and demands for investigation. The implications of these findings could reverberate through the UK’s foreign policy and its relationship with Israel, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
