Britain suspended dozens of arms exports to Israel shortly after Hamas killed six Israeli hostages, citing concerns the weapons could be used to violate international law.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy told lawmakers on Monday that the decision involved around 30 of 350 export licences for equipment, including military aircraft and drone parts and items used for ground attacks.
Lamy said the British government believed the equipment was “intended for use in the current conflict in Gaza” and that there was a “clear risk” that some of it could be used “to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law.”
Despite the suspension, Lamy said it was “not a determination of innocence or guilt” about whether Israel had violated international law, and it was not an arms embargo.
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British Foreign Secretary David Lammy shakes hands with his Israeli counterpart Israel Katz after meeting in Jerusalem on August 16 amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. (Florion Goga/Reuters)
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant responded in a statement, saying he was “disappointed” by the British government's decision to impose “sanctions” on the export licences.
“This happened while we are fighting a war on seven fronts, a war launched unprovoked by a barbaric terrorist organization,” Gallant said. “It happened while we are mourning the deaths of six hostages executed in cold blood by Hamas in a Gaza tunnel. It happened while we are fighting to bring 101 hostages home.”
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said he was “disappointed” by the British government's decision to suspend 30 export licences. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque/File)
“I support our armed forces and security services, who work with great courage, professionalism and integrity,” the statement continued. “We remain committed to defending the State of Israel and its people.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Katz said the UK's decision “sends a very troubling message” to the Iran-backed Hamas terror group.
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“Israel is a law-abiding state that operates in accordance with international law and has an independent and respected judicial system. We expect friendly countries like the UK to recognise this throughout the year, in the days after Hamas terrorists executed six Israeli hostages, in the midst of intense negotiations for the release of hostages and a ceasefire, and in light of recent threats by the Iranian regime to attack the State of Israel,” Katz said.
The Foreign Secretary said he hoped the “deep friendship” between Israel and the UK would continue.
Meanwhile, President Biden told reporters that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had not done enough to secure a hostage deal with Hamas terrorists.
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President Biden and Vice President Harris convened their hostage deal negotiating team in the Situation Room following Hamas' killing of 23-year-old Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg Pollin and five other hostages on Saturday.
Fox News Digital's Daniel Wallace and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
