Despite arms suspension decision, Britain: We will continue to stand with Israel
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended his government's decision to suspend some arms export licenses to Israel, stressing that his country "will continue to stand by Israel's right to self-defense, but while adhering to the rule of international law," he said. This came during the government's weekly question-and-answer session in parliament on Wednesday, which witnessed a confrontation with opposition leader Rishi Sunak
Sunak asked Starmer how the decision would help secure the release of 101 hostages still held by Hamas.
Starmer responded by saying that his government had conducted a review in the same way as previous governments, reached a clear legal conclusion, and shared this conclusion and assessment with Parliament.
A difficult issue
He also stressed that this gives him "the power of argument with allies" on important issues, stressing that this is a difficult issue.
He also called for the release of the remaining detainees, the entry of aid into Gaza, and opening the path to a two-state solution.
He explained that he had discussed this decision with his country's allies, noting that they understand and have different legal systems, according to him.
30 out of 350
It is noteworthy that the British Foreign Office had announced, on Monday, the suspension of 30 arms export licenses to Israel out of 350, justifying its decision by the existence of a clear risk that they could be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law.
“For some arms exports to Israel, there is a clear risk that they will be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law,” Foreign Minister David Lammy told parliament.
He stressed that “this is not a blanket ban, it is not an embargo,” adding that it did not include components for the F-35 fighter jet.
For his part, British Defense Minister John Healey explained on Tuesday that "his country's suspension of these licenses will not threaten Israel's ability to defend itself," according to him.
He also stressed that Britain is committed to its commitment to defending Israel.
Netanyahu criticizes
In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed his criticism at London.
He stressed in a statement on Tuesday that Israel will win this war with or without British weapons.
He also considered that the wrong British decision will encourage Hamas.
It is noteworthy that since coming to power in early July, the British Labor Party government led by Keir Starmer (center-left) has repeatedly called for an end to the war in Gaza that broke out on October 7, 2023.
While several associations have filed lawsuits to stop British arms shipments to Israel, saying that it did not respect the licensing rules.
These rules stipulate that weapons may not be sold to a third country if there is a clear risk that they may be used in violation of international humanitarian law.