Britain’s arms crackdown on Israel could end up pleasing no one

Is the UK still a ‘staunch ally’ of Israel? Defence Secretary John Healey insisted so on the broadcast round this morning. But his claim is coming under scrutiny following the government’s decision to suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel, thereby affecting equipment which includes parts for fighter jets, drones and helicopters. Foreign Secretary David Lammy revealed the news on Monday, telling the Commons that it was ‘with regret’ that he had concluded for certain arms exports ‘there does exist a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law’. It comes as part of a review by the new government of Israel’s compliance with international law.

Lammy was keen to add that this is not equivalent to an arms embargo as there is no blanket ban.