On June 4, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn introduced a bill in Parliament calling for an inquiry into the UK’s involvement and potential complicity in Israeli military operations in Gaza. This move adds pressure on the UK government, which faces criticism over its continued licensing of arms sales to Israel.
Last month, the UK government took a firm stance against what it described as Israel’s “egregious actions and rhetoric” in Gaza. Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced a suspension of free-trade negotiations with Israel, a review of the 2030 Road Map for UK-Israel bilateral relations, and further sanctions on violent settlers and related entities.
Lammy condemned Israel’s planned mass forced displacement of Palestinians as “morally unjustifiable, wholly disproportionate and utterly counter-productive.” However, he was vague about additional measures, stating that “we will take further concrete action if necessary.”
Critics argue that the UK could exert more pressure by implementing a complete arms embargo on Israel. In September, the UK imposed a partial arms suspension due to concerns that exported military components might be used in violations of international humanitarian law. This suspension covers only 30 out of approximately 350 arms export licenses to Israel.
The current suspensions do not include equipment under the remaining 300 licenses deemed non-military for use in Gaza. Reports indicate that more weapons licenses were approved by the Labour government last year than during four years under the Conservative government.
A legal loophole allows UK-built components to be used in Israel’s F-35 fighter jets through a ‘global spares pool’ program owned by the US Department of Defence. The UK government’s supply of these components potentially breaches its own arms export control laws and international obligations.
There are calls for the UK to implement a comprehensive arms embargo similar to those imposed on apartheid South Africa through UN mechanisms. With potential US vetoes at the Security Council, states like the UK are urged to show leadership.
The debate in Parliament highlighted outrage at Israeli actions, signaling a shift in Anglo-Israeli relations. However, questions remain about what measures will effectively address crimes against Palestinians. A complete arms embargo is seen as essential if the UK aims to prevent genocide.
