A recent report has uncovered that UK firms have continued to export military items to Israel, despite the UK government’s suspension of certain arms export licences in September 2024. The report, compiled by the Palestinian Youth Movement, Progressive International, and Workers for a Free Palestine, indicates that since the suspension, the UK has sent 8,630 separate munitions to Israel.
The exports fall under the category of “Bombs, Grenades, Torpedoes, Mines, Missiles And Similar Munitions Of War And Parts Thereof-Other,” according to data from the Israel Tax Authority.
In September 2024, Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the suspension of 29 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel, citing a “clear risk” that the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law. However, the new report suggests that components for F-35 fighter jets have continued to be shipped to Israel, despite government assurances to the contrary.
Former Labour shadow Chancellor John McDonnell commented on the findings, stating that the government has a lot of “explaining to do” and that if Parliament has been misled, it could be considered a resigning matter and potentially a charge of complicity in war crimes.
The Foreign Office responded by asserting that the relevant licences that might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza have been suspended. They added that the remaining licences are primarily for civilian purposes or re-export and are not used in the war in Gaza, with the exception of the F-35 programme, which they claim has strategic importance for NATO and international peace and security.
The report’s revelations have intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability regarding the UK’s arms exports to Israel, especially in light of ongoing concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
