UK’s Divisive Decision Sparks Diplomatic Tensions: Israel Expresses Disappointment Amid London’s Defiance
- The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement criticizing the UK's decision to suspend licences for certain arms exports to Israel.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressed his disappointment with the new administration's decision to suspend operations in the UK, as well as London's moves regarding Tel Aviv's military...
- Katz stressed that London's steps "send a very troubling message" to Hamas and its supporters in Iran.
UK Suspends 30 Arms Export Licences to Israel Over Humanitarian Law Concerns
Israeli Response to the UK’s Decision
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement criticizing the UK’s decision to suspend licences for certain arms exports to Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressed his disappointment with the new administration’s decision to suspend operations in the UK, as well as London’s moves regarding Tel Aviv’s military activity in the Gaza Strip.
Katz stressed that London’s steps “send a very troubling message” to Hamas and its supporters in Iran.
The Israeli Foreign Minister also expressed his hope that “the deep friendship between the UK and Israel, which has existed since the founding of Israel, will continue in the future.”
UK’s Reason for Suspending Arms Export Licences
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy informed British lawmakers that about 30 of the 350 arms sales licences to Israel would be suspended.
The reason given by the British Foreign Office is that London faces a risk that the weapons sold could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law.