Britain imposed restrictions on arms supplies to Israel, issuing an ultmatum. London said it would resume arms exports to Israel only after a ceasefire and international organisations were given full access to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. British Foreign Secretary David Lemmy expressed these demands to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during their recent meeting in London.
In the call, Lemmy informed Blinken of Britain’s decision to suspend 30 defence export licences to Israel. The move came two weeks later, when the suspension was officially announced on 2 September. Although the restrictions apply to a small portion of military exports – mainly spare parts for fighter jets, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles – the decision has raised concerns in the US administration.
Blinken, in turn, expressed his hope that Britain would lift the restrictions and stressed that the United States continues to support Israel and monitor the IDF’s actions in the Gaza Strip, verifying compliance with international law. He also noted that despite concerns about Israeli operations, American support remains unchanged.
Lemmy confirmed that the UK has no plans to impose further restrictions on arms supplies to Israel in the near future, but will continue to closely monitor Israel’s compliance with international law. Britain’s decision drew criticism from some US officials, who said such measures could provide more opportunities for diplomatic pressure in negotiations.
Previously, Kursor wrote that the UK assessed the likelihood of an Iranian attack on Israel.
