UK govt slammed over Israel arms export decision

The UK government has been criticized for its decision to suspend arms contracts to Israel, only if hostilities resume in Gaza, with critics saying the decision signals support for the Israeli government.

The criticism came on Tuesday after British Business Secretary Vince Cable announced that 12 arms export licenses, including “components for military radar systems, combat aircraft and tanks,” would only be suspended if fighting resumed.

Critics blasted the decision, calling the government’s response to Israel’s aggression against the Gaza Strip “incredibly weak.”

Andrew Smith, media spokesperson for Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT), said the government’s decision “will be seen as a sign of political support for the Israeli government.”

Smith called for a full arms embargo on Israel, saying, “Arms sales don’t just provide military support, they also provide political support, and the UK government needs to send out a strong signal that it does not support the bombardment of Gaza.”

Sayeeda Warsi, who has recently resigned as a senior Foreign Office minister over the government’s stance on Gaza, also denounced the decision saying it was “morally indefensible,” adding, “More people have to die before” an arms suspension will be imposed against Israel.”

A recent report by British parliamentary committee for arms export controls shows that Israel received around £8 billion in the form of 400 arms licenses from the UK in 2013.

Other reports have also shown that Israel has been using weapons containing British-made components in the recent aggression against the Gaza Strip which began on July 8.