Latest Defence News

U.K ,Israel

The British government has decided to continue sending weapons to Israel despite calls to suspend exports due to concerns over humanitarian violations in Gaza. Foreign Secretary David Cameron made the announcement during a visit to Washington, stating that after reviewing the situation, the UK's position on export licenses remains unchanged.

Cameron emphasized that while they have grave concerns about humanitarian access in Gaza, they will not halt weapon exports to Israel. The United States, Israel's largest weapons provider, has also rejected calls to suspend shipments despite growing frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the conflict.

The decision comes amid criticism from various quarters, including over 600 British lawyers who warned that exporting weapons to Israel could breach international law. Britain's criteria for strategic licensing dictates that weapons should not be exported if there's a clear risk of them being used in violations of international humanitarian law.

Since 2015, the UK has approved over 487 million pounds ($614 million) worth of weapon sales to Israel through single-issue licenses, with additional exports under open licenses. Germany, another major weapons exporter to Israel, is facing accusations of breaching the UN Genocide Convention in a case brought forward by Nicaragua in the International Court of Justice.

Germany has defended its actions, stating that support for Israel is central to its foreign policy. Despite mounting concerns and legal challenges, both Britain and Germany remain steadfast in their support for Israel through arms exports.