The decision, according to Mr. Lammy, was made after an examination of export permits for British weapons revealed a “clear risk” that they would be used to carry out “a serious violation of international humanitarian law.”
Mr. Lammy stated that only thirty of the 350 licenses will be stopped, emphasizing that “this is not an arms embargo or a blanket ban.”
However, according to Israel Katz, the Israeli foreign minister, the choice “sends a very problematic message” to Iran, a supporter of Hamas.
In light of the Gaza conflict, Mr. Lammy stated that the government was legally obligated to examine Britain’s export permits.
In an explanation of his choice, he addressed the Commons, saying: “I regret to inform you that, based on the assessment I received, I am unable to conclude anything other than that there is a clear risk that certain UK arms exports to Israel could be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law.”
Components for drones and helicopters used by the military in Gaza, as well as supplies that make ground targeting easier, will be suspended.
Nevertheless, parts for global F-35 combat jets will not be included, which has alarmed opposition MPs and human rights organizations.
According to the administration, doing so would have “serious implications and a significant effect on the global F-35 fleet.”
