Israeli Arms Factory UK Closure – Palestine Action
Here’s a summary of the key information from the provided text:
Elbit Systems UK facility in Bristol has closed: The company’s site in the Aztec West business park appears to have closed unexpectedly, despite a lease not expiring untill 2029.
Repeated Protests: the facility was a frequent target of Palestine Action protests, which included blockades, roof occupations, vandalism (smashing windows, red paint), and other disruptive actions.
Palestine Action Banned: The direct action group Palestine action was banned under the Terrorism Act recently, following a large exhibition in London where 150 were arrested.
elbit Systems’ Role: Elbit Systems is Israel’s largest arms producer and provides significant technology (especially drones) to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), used in the conflict in Gaza.
Financial Performance: Elbit Systems UK reported an operating loss of £4.7 million last year, a significant downturn from a £3.8 million profit the previous year.
No Comment from Elbit: Elbit Systems UK has not responded to requests for comment regarding the closure. The site was deserted during a visit by The Guardian.
* Separate Facility: This closure is of a different Elbit facility then the one in Filton, Bristol, where 24 people are awaiting trial related to protests and alleged criminal damage.
The article strongly suggests a link between the protests by Palestine Action and the closure of the Bristol facility, though it doesn’t state it definitively. The timing and the nature of the protests certainly raise questions about the company’s decision to leave the site.