The British Government will suspend some 30 licenses, Of a total of 350, arms export to Israel due to the risk that they may be used for violate humanitarian lawthe British Foreign Secretary announced on Monday, David Lammy.
The decision was taken after reviewing Israel’s compliance with international law during the course of the war in Loopexplained the head of British diplomacy in an appearance before the House of Commons.
The suspended licenses will include, among others, components of military aircraft, helicopters and drones after the British government concluded that there is a “clear risk that items exported to Israel could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law.”
In his statement, the Labour politician said that “when faced with a conflict such as this, it is the Government’s legal obligation to review export licences”, while clarifying that this decision “is not a determination of innocence or guilt” and “is not taken lightly”.
“I have been a lifelong friend of Israel. A liberal and progressive Zionist who believes in Israel as a democratic state and the land of the Jews, which has both the right to exist and to defend itself,” Lammy said.
“But I also believe that Israel will only exist safely if there is a two-state solution “that guarantees the rights of all Israeli citizens and their Palestinian neighbors, who have their own inalienable right to self-determination and security,” he added.
Lammy stressed that The British Government is “not an international court” and “could not arbitrate on whether Israel has violated international humanitarian law,” while clarifying that the decision does not “prejudge any future determination by the competent courts.”
The minister also explained that the suspension of these 30 licenses for the export of “objects that could be used in the current conflict in Gaza” It is not an arms embargo.
The decision, which the British government will keep “under review”, will not, it said, have “a material impact on Israel’s security” as it covers “only objects that could be used in the current conflict”.
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