UK Arms Licence Restrictions
UK blocks over 80 export licences for goods used by Israeli forces.
Anonymous
The UK has suspended or refused more than 80 export licences for goods that could be used by Israeli forces in Gaza, up from about 30 when restrictions began in September 2024. The government says a new “double lock” requires applications to be assessed both against concerns about international humanitarian law and Britain’s position on the legality of Israel’s presence in the Palestinian territories. Ministers say licences are reviewed individually and note that some cover nonmilitary goods, while critics argue Britain should impose further limits. Direct F-35 exports to Israel remain halted, but British components supplied to the program’s global parts pool are largely exempt; the government says ending that supply could harm allied security, while critics have proposed safeguards to keep the components from reaching aircraft destined for Israel.
Key Points
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The original September 2024 suspension affected roughly 30 of about 350 licences. The items covered included components for military aircraft, drones, naval systems and targeting equipment.
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Stephen Doughty said he had “personally gone through every single licence” to check that licensed exports were not being used in weaponry used in Gaza.
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Doughty cautioned that some licences covered nonmilitary items, citing medication for cystic fibrosis and body armour for journalists and NGOs.
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The UK said its September measures would also refuse licences for weapons and other products judged to materially contribute to the occupation, alongside plans to restrict trade connected to Israeli communities beyond the Green Line.
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