According to the British government, there is a “clear risk” that Israel is violating humanitarian law with weapons sold by London, particularly in its treatment of Palestinian detainees and its management of the delivery of aid to Gaza, reports our correspondent in London, Emeline Vin. The head of diplomacy, David Lammy, emphasizes that this is not an embargo, which has been demanded since the beginning of the conflict by a part of the political class and Labor voters. He added that this does not concern elements of the F-35 fighter jet.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reacted and said he was “disappointed” on Monday by the announcement of the partial suspension by London of arms exports to Israel. “I am deeply disappointed to learn of the sanctions imposed by the British government on export licenses” for arms, Yoav Gallant said on X (formerly Twitter).
Deeply disheartened to learn of the sanctions placed by the U.K. Government on export licenses to Israel’s defense establishment. This comes at a time when we fight a war on 7 different fronts – a war that was launched by a savage terrorist organization, unprovoked. At a time…
First distancing from Israel since October 7
Faced with these calls, the previous government had launched a “consultation” two months ago to ensure that London was not complicit in war crimes. This is the first distancing from the Hebrew state since the terrorist attacks of October 7, perpetrated by Hamas. And this even if the British Foreign Secretary reaffirms his support for Israel.
The announcement of the suspension of certain licenses, granted to British companies, comes on the first day of the parliamentary session, but especially a few weeks before the congress of the Labor Party in power.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his team fear a tense meeting, while the left wing of Labour accuses the government of not supporting the Palestinian cause enough or strongly condemning Israeli military action in Gaza.
This article is originally published on .rfi.fr
