Trending – UK suspends some arms sales to Israel
The UK has suspended some arms sales to Israel, saying there is a “clear risk” that the equipment could be used to commit serious violations of international law.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the UK would be suspending 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel, affecting equipment such as parts for fighter jets, helicopters and drones.
The move means the UK is the first major Western ally to suspend arms to Israel – marking a break with the US after having a policy on Israel almost identical to the US. Some suggest that the move will likely cause tensions with the Biden administration as the UK sets out a more Israel-sceptic stance.
Basic Facts
- UK will suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel
- It will affect equipment such as parts for fighter jets, helicopters and drones
- Clear risk the equipment could be used to commit violations of international law
- UK first Western ally to suspend arms to Israel
- Major break from the US stance and could cause tension with White House
The reaction
Many of the right-leaning publications lead with the reaction from Israeli lawmakers, with The Times quoting Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant saying he was “deeply disheartened” by the decision. Other media suggests the move is politically motivated by the Labour government to appeal to the left of the party – or as some publications dub it, a ‘PR stunt’.
The left-leaning newspapers are in support of the news saying it stops UK weapons from engaging in war crimes and sets out a new stance for the United Kingdom regarding Israel’s war in Gaza.
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How social media is reacting
There is a wide range of opinions across social media regarding the news the UK will suspend some arms sales to Israel over fears they could be used for war crimes.
Read the Tweets!
Praise the lord ❤️
— Archange Antoine (@ArchangeAntoine) September 2, 2024
The UK is suspending up to 350 arms exports to Israel. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he believes these weapons will be used to violate International law aka support Israeli ethnic cleansing and genocide of Palestinian people.
This is a huge victory for… pic.twitter.com/VncTsMNfq6
David Lammy, I rewrote your speech more accurately: "we will suspend the export of components for fighter aircraft, except for components for the F35, our main contribution to Israel's genocidal war in Gaza, because we don't want to upset the Americans" https://t.co/3omMKlawLo
— Anna Stavrianakis (@StavrianakisA) September 2, 2024
The UK Foreign Secretary is contradicting himself.
— Eylon Levy (@EylonALevy) September 1, 2024
He says Hamas must release all the hostages immediately, and calls on Hamas to accept a deal in which it doesn't release all the hostages immediately.
Utterly incoherent. https://t.co/BLasKh3yry