Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Monday that 30 of the 350 export permits for British weapons to Israel have been halted.
The announcement’s timing has drawn criticism because it was made the same day that six Israelis who had been held hostage by Hamas since October of last year were laid to rest.
Israel’s defense secretary, Yoav Gallant, criticized the government’s decision, stating that he was “deeply disheartened” by the suspensions that coincided with Israel fighting “a war on seven different fronts” and “when we mourn six hostages”.
The choice was deemed “appalling” by former Conservative home secretary Dame Priti Patel, who also charged Labour of meddling “with Israel’s security on a day they bury their dead.”
“This shocking betrayal of a key UK ally is a terrible indication of the UK’s approach to national security under this weak prime minister,” she continued.
The government faced criticism for altering its policies towards Israel after resuming money for the UN organization that assists the Palestinian people in spite of Israel’s objections.
