Gaza Herald – The British government announced it has suspended or rejected over 80 export licenses to Israel for materials that could be used by the Israeli military in Gaza. This move represents a tightening of London’s policy regarding arms exports to Israel.
State Minister for the Middle East Stephen Dotti stated that approximately 30 licenses were suspended when the government announced restrictions in September 2024. Since then, more than 50 new applications for export licenses to Israel have been refused, according to the British Jewish Chronicle.
Dotti explained that the new measures approved on September 8 tightened restrictions on exports to Israel. He described a “double lock” on arms exports, requiring licenses to be assessed against existing conditions related to potential violations of international humanitarian law and the government’s stance on the illegality of the occupation.
The minister emphasized that all licenses are subject to review and that he personally reviewed each one to ensure authorized materials are not used in weapons deployed in Gaza. He noted that some licenses discussed publicly do not concern weapons, including medicines for cystic fibrosis patients and protective gear for journalists and NGOs.
Dotti expressed belief that Britain can do more to restrict exports to Israel. Regarding the F-35 fighter jet program, he clarified that British components for the international F-35 program remain largely exempt from restrictions. While direct exports of F-35 jets to Israel have stopped, spare parts continue to enter the global supply chain for the program.
He justified the continued supply of these components based on security considerations for Britain and its allies, warning that withdrawing them could have serious repercussions for the entire program. Emily Thornberry, chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, called the continued supply of F-35 components a political issue and urged for restrictions ensuring British parts are not used in aircraft sent to Israel.
The UK government confirmed that approved licenses remain subject to strategic export criteria and continuous review. These tightening measures follow a series of actions taken by London regarding Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. According to the Jewish Chronicle, the total number of licenses suspended or rejected since September 2024 exceeds 80, nearly triple the number initially suspended.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
