Israel’s Bids For An Arms Export License Are Apparently Suspended By The UK “Pending Review”

British civil servants have halted the processing of arms export licenses for sales to Israel, citing a government review, according to reports from the Department for Business and Trade. Exporters are now receiving notifications of the suspension.

Sources insisted this did not represent a change in policy

Whitehall insiders maintained that this might be an administrative process rather than a shift in policy.

The review of the risk of weapons sales to Israel has not been completed due to allegations of humanitarian law breaches in the Gaza conflict. The task is complicated by ministers’ desire to differentiate between defensive and offensive arms sold to Israel for Gaza use.

Government sources report that the suspension process is taking time as ministers must ensure the suspension is legally sound and in compliance with arms export licensing laws.

The previous government granted Israel 108 arms export licenses between October 7th and May 2024, but the value of these licenses has not been disclosed.

“We continue to review export license applications on a case by case basis against strategic export licensing criteria.”

The Jewish Chronicle and Mail reported that applicants for arms export licenses have been suspended pending policy review. A business department spokesperson stated that there has been no change in the approach to export licenses to Israel, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Christian Aid revealed 20 companies were issued standard export licenses for military goods to Israel between October 7 and May 31, with 30 more having military export license applications pending.

Christian Aid was informed by the authorities that the issuance of a license did not imply that an export had occurred. A license may expire after being partially utilized in some cases, but not in others.

“The only way to categorically ensure arms sold to Israel are not used in violation of human rights is with a black and white ban. That is what this new government should be ready to do. No ifs and buts. It is frankly reprehensible for any company to make a profit from this war.” said William Bell, Christian Aid’s head of Middle East policy.

Follow Wat-Not on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram