What’s happening
The United States has privately warned Britain against suspending some arms sales to Israel as concerns grow over its potential impact on efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages in Gaza. This comes as tensions remain high amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Why it matters
The UK’s decision to suspend arms export licenses highlights the complexities and sensitivities involved in international arms trade during wartime. The US, a key ally of both Israel and the UK, underscores the significant implications such a move can have on diplomatic and military operations intended to resolve the conflict.
What they’re saying
Britain’s Foreign Office refuted the characterization of talks with the US over the arms sale policy. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that Washington will make assessments based on US law, independently of the UK’s approach.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the suspension of 30 out of 350 arms export licenses, expressing concerns these arms could be misused in Gaza, while asserting that it does not amount to a blanket embargo.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the UK’s decision, stating it would embolden Hamas and calling it a “shameful” and “misguided decision.”
The reaction
There was also pushback from UK government ministers, highlighting that the decision failed to satisfy all factions within the country’s political landscape. Some ministers even suggested a review of arms exports to other destinations to avoid selectively targeting Israel, the world’s only Jewish state.
Despite the suspension, Downing Street reaffirmed that the UK’s support for Israel remains “unshakeable,” but the decision was legally necessary.
The impact
The suspended export licenses are a minor fraction—amounting to less than one percent—of the total arms Israel receives. Lammy noted that the suspension is unlikely to have a significant material impact on Israel’s security.
Context
The licenses cover components for Israel’s aerial systems, including fighter jets, helicopters, and drones, but do not affect the F-35 program, a multinational project.
The backdrop
The conflict ignited on October 7 when Hamas launched a brutal cross-border attack resulting in the death of approximately 1,200 people and abduction of 251 hostages. Israel has launched a military offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas, rescuing hostages, and ensuring long-term security.
Civilian toll
While the Gaza Health Ministry reports over 40,000 people killed or presumed dead—figures that remain unverified—Israel maintains that 17,000 of them were combatants.
Washington and others continue to urge for minimization of civilian casualties, but Israel emphasizes that Hamas uses civilians as human shields, operating from densely populated civilian areas.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.