Official UK government announcements and policy documents

UK Labour Government and Germany Suspend Arms Exports to Israel Amid Legal and Humanitarian Concerns

Sep 18, 2024, 04:56 PM

The UK and Germany have both taken significant steps to limit arms exports to Israel amid concerns over potential violations of international law. The UK's new Labour government has suspended 30 out of its 350 arms export licenses to Israel, citing credible claims of mistreatment of detainees and risks of items being used to violate international law in Gaza. Meanwhile, Germany has halted the approval of new arms export licenses to Israel since March 2024, due to ongoing legal challenges and concerns over humanitarian law breaches. Germany, the second-largest supplier of arms to Israel after the United States, has not officially declared this suspension, but reports indicate that no new export permits have been approved since the October 7 attacks. Last year, Germany increased its arms exports to Israel, approving weapons and military equipment worth €326.5 million. This move has sparked criticism, especially as Germany continues to approve arms sales to other countries like Qatar.