UK Arms Export to Israel: NGO Bid Fails
The UK High Court has dismissed a legal challenge attempting to block the export of F-35 fighter jet components to Israel. The court ruled that the issue of arms exports falls under the purview of the executive branch, not the judiciary, despite concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza. Al-Haq, the Palestinian rights group that brought the case, argued the UK government’s actions facilitated international crimes, especially given the increase in military exports after a partial suspension in 2024. This decision, reported by News Directory 3, sets a precedent. the ruling highlights continued debate concerning the legality of UK arms exports. Discover what’s next in this evolving situation.
UK Court Rejects challenge to Israel F-35 Parts Exports
Updated June 30, 2025
London - The High Court in London on Monday rejected a legal bid by a Palestinian rights group to halt the U.K.’s supply of components for Israeli F-35 fighter jets. The ruling comes amid ongoing concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza, where Israel has deployed the jets extensively.
Al-Haq, the rights group behind the challenge, argued that a U.K. government “carve out” exempting F-35 parts from a broader suspension of military export licenses was unlawful. They contended that the government had misinterpreted international law. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Oxfam supported Al-Haq’s claim.
However, Judges Stephen Males and Karen steyn dismissed all grounds for the challenge. They stated the case was not about whether the U.K. should supply arms to Israel,but rather whether the court could force the U.K. to withdraw from a multilateral defense collaboration. The judges deemed this an issue for the executive branch, accountable to Parliament and the electorate.
Shawan Jabarin, General Director of Al-haq, said the group exposed government failings in facilitating international crimes against Palestinians through arms exports. He added that they will continue to fight for accountability and justice.
The U.K. contributes components to the international F-35 program. Defence Secretary John Healey previously argued that suspending licenses would impact the entire program and international security. Al-Haq’s lawyers claimed the government knew of a clear risk Israel would use the jet parts to violate international law. Government lawyer James Eadie countered that the court was not positioned to rule on Israel’s actions, which could harm relations.
In September 2024,the Labor government suspended about 30 export licenses after reviewing Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law. However, the ban excluded British-made F-35 parts, including refueling probes and targeting systems. Oxfam described this as a loophole. The Campaign Against Arms Trade said licensing figures showed a ”shocking increase” in military exports to Israel after the partial suspension, with £127.6 million in equipment approved between October and December 2024.
Israel launched its war on Gaza following an Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants that killed 1,219 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to official figures. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed at least 56,500 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to the territory’s health ministry. The U.N. considers these figures reliable.
What’s next
Al-Haq and supporting organizations are expected to continue their legal and advocacy efforts to challenge arms exports to Israel and seek accountability for alleged violations of international law.