Newsletters
The United Kingdom has suspended or rejected more than 80 export licences for items destined for Israel that could be used by the Israeli military in Gaza, according to a report by the Jewish Chronicle.
Stephen Doughty, the UK's minister of state for the Middle East, said around 30 licences were suspended when the government first announced restrictions in September 2024. Since then, more than 50 additional applications have been rejected, Doughty told the Jewish Chronicle.
The minister said new measures approved on September 8 introduced what he described as a "double lock" on arms exports. Under the policy, licence applications must be assessed against both existing international humanitarian law criteria and the government's position on the illegality of the occupation.
Doughty said he personally reviews each licence application to ensure exported items are not used in Gaza. He noted that some of the licences that have drawn public attention involve non-weapons items, including cystic fibrosis medication and protective equipment for journalists and non-governmental organizations.
On the F-35 fighter jet programme, Doughty said British-made components remain largely outside the scope of the restrictions. Britain has halted direct exports of F-35 jets to Israel, but continues to supply spare parts into the programme's global supply chain.
Doughty defended that position by pointing to security interests shared with allies, warning that a British withdrawal from the supply chain could have serious consequences for the wider F-35 programme, which involves multiple countries and relies on components manufactured across participating nations.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
