UK unclear about suspending arms sales to Israel, report

British AG says cannot approve any decision to stop weapons sales until government can define what arms are defensive and what would be used in violation of international law

Ynet|
Britain's Attorney General Richard Hermer told officials in the Foreign Office that he cannot approve a decision to ban arms sales to Israel, without knowing if their use would breach international law, according to a report in The Guardian newspaper on Monday.
A ministry spokesperson said the British government must adhere to the law. He said the UK has been clear that it will not export weapons that could be used in its violation.
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אירוע זיכרון ל ילדות שנרצחו ב סאות'פורט בריטניה במסע דקירות בסדנת ריקוד
אירוע זיכרון ל ילדות שנרצחו ב סאות'פורט בריטניה במסע דקירות בסדנת ריקוד
Keir Starmer
(Photo: Temilade Adelaja / AP)
The spokesperson said there was an ongoing assessment ordered by the secretary, to determine whether Israel was in compliance with international law.
Foreign secretary David Lammy said he supported the sale of defensive arms to Israel so that it can continue to defend itself.
According to the guardian, exporters wishing to receive licenses to sell to Israel, have been stalled until a decision as to what arms would be barred from sale, is made.
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פגישת ישראל כ"ץ ודיוויד לאמי
פגישת ישראל כ"ץ ודיוויד לאמי
Foreign Minister Israel Katz with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy
(Photo: GPO)
The UK exports 18 million pounds of military equipment to Israel, annually, according to the Guardian. But officials in Jerusalem said they were worried that any suspension of sales would be a slippery slope.
The Labour government is unsure it would be able to defend any definition of defensive weapons in court. According to the report, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is participating in the deliberations.
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