BYM calls for full ban on arms exports to Israel
‘It is welcome news that the UK is suspending some arms exports to Israel. But this does not go far enough.'
Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) has welcomed the UK government’s suspension of some arms exports to Israel, but has called for a full ban.
Paul Parker, recording clerk for BYM, said: ‘It is welcome news that the UK is suspending some arms exports to Israel. But this does not go far enough. Only a full ban can ensure these weapons are not used to violate international law.’
The statement came after David Lammy, foreign secretary, suspended thirty out of 350 arms exports licences to Israel on 2 September. These include parts for drones, helicopters and fighter jets.
However, BYM said: ‘This leaves a significant loophole for parts used in F-35 fighter jets, used by the Israeli military to target Gaza.’
According to BYM on the Quakers in Britain website: ‘It is estimated that the UK produces 15 per cent of every F-35 fighter jet but these components are exempt from the suspensions because it is part of an international programme.’
Since 2015, the UK has licensed arms worth more than £442 million to Israeli forces, according to Campaign Against Arms Trade. The UK government has granted twenty companies arms export licences to Israel since the Hamas attack on 7 October, with more companies awaiting their applications to progress since 31 May.
BYM wrote to David Lammy MP in July, when he became the new foreign secretary, calling for an immediate suspension of arms licences to Israel.
