The British government denied reports published in British newspapers about London suspending its arms exports to Israel.
The British Guardian newspaper reported that civil servants have stopped processing arms export licenses to Israel until the government's review of the licenses and claims of violations of humanitarian law in Gaza strip.
A British government spokesman told The Times that there had been no change in the UK's approach to export licences to Israel.
The spokesman added that the government continues to review export license applications on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.
He noted that it is important for the country to adhere to its domestic and international legal obligations when it comes to arms exports.
He stressed that advice regarding exports to Israel is being reviewed, but no decision has been made in this regard yet.
Pending review
According to the Guardian, exporters seeking arms sales licences have received letters from the Department of Business and Trade stating that applications are on hold pending review.
Other sources confirmed that this does not represent a change in policy, and may be an administrative measure. No date has been set for completing the review of the risks of arms sales to Israel in light of allegations of violations of humanitarian law in the aggression on Gaza strip.
Government sources explained that the process is complicated by what is said to be the ministers' desire to “distinguish between weapons sold to Israel for defensive purposes and those sold for offensive purposes” for use in Gaza.
This process takes a long time to ensure that any decision to suspend licenses is in line with the laws governing arms export licensing.
Last June, the previous government announced the granting of 108 licenses to export weapons to Israel between October 7, 2023 and the end of May 2024, without disclosing the value of the licenses.
Applicants for arms export licences have been told their applications are on hold, pending a review of the policy, the Jewish Chronicle and Mail on Sunday reported.
A Business Department spokesperson said there had been no change in their approach to export licences to Israel, and that they continued to review export licence applications on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.
